VIDEO: There's more to being a hooker than just throwing in at the line-outs
Veteran utility forward Deon Fourie has dismissed the notion that the worth of hookers is measured only by their accuracy in line-outs.
Fourie, speaking ahead of South Africa’s Rugby Championship crunch match with Australia in Sydney on Saturday, said hookers should be judged by their all-round game – not just line-outs.
The Springbok team, which shows nine changes to the starting XV from the side that imploded against the Wallabies last week in Adelaide, has a number of intriguing selections.
One of the more curious selections is one-cap veteran, Fourie, as a backup hooker on the bench.
Coach Jacques Nienaber admitted that the 35-year-old Fourie could play a similar role in France next year that Schalk Brits, then 38, fulfilled for the Boks in their successful 2019 World Cup campaign.
Brits, who started against minnows Namibia (at No.8) and Canada (hooker) in Japan, was a mentor and calming influence in the squad – also adding the utility role.
Nienaber revealed that Fourie, who played only at loose forward for the Stormers in the United Rugby Championship this year, has focused much more on hooker with the national team.
Fourie said he is ready for the front row challenge.
“That’s only a small part of the game,” the one-Test utility forward said, when asked about the recurring theme of line-out problems during Joseph Dweba’s last three Test outings.
“There are a lot more responsibilities in the game than just line-out throwing,” Fourie added.
“I’ve been doing it for quite a while now with the Stormers and the Boks.
“Playing a game at hooker? A few years ago I played at hooker and I played there [hooker] a few years in France as well.”
He added that in his 16 years as a professional player, he has played more at hooker than flank.
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“I am actually more experienced at hooker than as a flank,” Fourie quipped.
He said Saturday’s outing he I will approach as a ‘normal game’ – not make a big issue of the occasion.
“As I said, throwing in is such a small part of the whole game and we have been training hard,” he added.
“Hopefully, I can bring that into the game.”
He also touched on his skill as a breakdown specialist, saying that having more than one player focusing on that aspect will always be a benefit to the team.
“It is not just Malcolm [Marx],” he said, adding: “Duane [Vermeulen] and Kitsie [Steven Kitshoff] are also good at the breakdowns.
“However, there are other aspects to focus on, rather than just sticking your head into rucks.”
The energetic and fearless forward said he did not expect the Bok call-up to come, despite having played Sevens for his country in 2007.
He also captained Western Province to Currie Cup title in 2012.
However, his move to France in 2014 seemed to have ended his Bok 15-a-side dream – until his return to South Africa last year and blazing a trail through the United Rugby Championship.
He became the oldest Springbok debutant in July – featuring as a loose forward in the second Test against Wales.
“I am excited, but I think there is a bit of pressure as well to keep my game up and keep doing what I am doing,” said Fourie.
“To be honest, when I came back last year, I never thought I would be sitting here with a Springbok on my chest. I am very grateful in that regard.
“Now it’s about taking this next game and performing well, staying in the mix. Hopefully, I can be Deon Fourie and not Schalk Brits-like.”
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