Africa-Press – South-Africa. Over the course of the United Rugby Championship season, the Stormers have become one of the most devastating counter-attacking teams in the competition.
They have scored some brilliant tries along the way, displaying an ability to launch from anywhere on the field.
In that regard, much of the attention has centred around the expressive, expansive backline where Manie Libbok, Damian Willemse, Warrick Gelant and Leolin Zas have shone.
The work done by the forwards has certainly been appreciated, but it perhaps hasn’t been given the media attention of those pulling the strings and making the plays in the backline.
One of those unsung Stormers heroes in the pack who has been hugely instrumental in providing that platform is 35-year-old Deon Fourie.
A hooker by trade who has played the bulk of his professional rugby in France, Fourie joined the Stormers ahead of the current URC season and has been a revelation.
With his bulldog mentality, tireless energy and ability to steal and secure ball on the ground, Fourie has quickly become one of the key players in coach John Dobson’s machine.
An already superb campaign for the No 6 reached another level on Saturday night when, after a thrilling 17-15 semi-final win against Ulster at Cape Town Stadium, he was named in a 43-man Springbok squad for the upcoming international season.
National coach Jacques Nienaber and director of rugby Rassie Erasmus are sometimes viewed as too rigid in their selections, but this time around, they have rewarded domestic form, and Fourie is one of those who has used the URC to force his way in.
“Deon was busy getting stitches when Dobbo [Dobson] mentioned it [his call-up] in our team meeting after the game,” Stormers captain Steven Kitshoff revealed on Saturday night.
“I’m extremely proud of him, and I think he deserves an opportunity to be in the squad and be involved in the set-up. He is a hard worker, a professional and a good team man, so it’s a lot of credit to him.
“He’s had an exceptional season, and his experience, sacrifice and talent mean a lot to the Stormers and hopefully the country.”
Kitshoff also revealed the Stormers’ second try on Saturday – an expertly crafted set-piece play off a lineout that saw Herschel Jantjies and Evan Roos link up down the right flank – was Fourie’s training round exercise.
“It’s actually Deon Fourie’s little brainchild; he came up with the move,” said Kitshoff.
“We trained it about three or four times in the week and executed it beautifully.”
Other Stormers previously outside of the Springbok set-up and called up after their URC form include fullback Warrick Gelant and No 8 Evan Roos.
“It’s important for us that we produce Springboks to be seen as a team where there is that pathway,” said Dobson.
“I know Warrick is not new, but he was out the frame. It’s brilliant, and I’m thrilled for him.”
The Stormers will now prepare for this Saturday’s URC final against South African rivals, the Bulls, which will kick off at 19:30 at Cape Town Stadium.
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