'I'm raring to go': Stormers get World Cup winner back for All Blacks clash
SPOTLIGHT: The All Blacks are set to come up against a familiar face when they take on the Stormers in their Greatest Rivalry series opener in Cape Town on Friday.
Stormers stalwart Deon Fourie confirmed that he is “ready” to take the field after another lengthy injury lay-off.
The 39-year-old has been out of action since May when he suffered a knee injury, which was caused by a croc-roll from Ulster lock Iain Henderson in a URC game.
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“It’s about 10 or 11 weeks after the operation. Fitness-wise, I’ll probably only be able to tell you on Friday,” he said with a smile.
“I am definitely raring to go, and it’s a great opportunity. I was looking forward to this match since it was announced a year or two ago.”
He added: “Just to represent a union that has been very dear to my heart and play against a Test side like the All Blacks is such a big occasion.
“I think 80 or 90 percent of these guys won’t have the opportunity to play them again or face the haka.
“It is something every little boy wants to be a part of when they start playing rugby – to stand in that line in front of them.”
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Time to work 😤 pic.twitter.com/CZrOAFq86C
— All Blacks (@AllBlacks) August 2, 2026
Fourie has faced the All Blacks once in his career and it was a big one in Paris on October 28 in 2023.
It was the World Cup Final when he replaced the injured Bongi Mbonambi in the third minute of a narrow 12-11 win.
“I can’t remember much of those 77 minutes. It went by so quickly.
“You always hope that you can play against them again, but in the last two years I’ve had some bad luck with injuries.
“I didn’t know if I would still be able to play this year, but fortunately everything went well, and I will get an opportunity to face the haka again.
“In 2023, when everything went past so quickly, you almost forget what it felt like, and to relive that feeling again will be nice.”
The veteran will be hoping that a strong performance could also give Bok head coach Rassie Erasmus something to think about.
“You always want to wear the green and gold jersey,” said Fourie.
“I think that’s the ambition of every rugby player.
“I’ve enjoyed the rugby just before my last injury. Hopefully, I can put in a good performance and put my hand up for one or two more Tests.”
@rugby365com
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