AUDIO: How Stormers adapt without Deon Fourie

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: There is no doubt that Deon Fourie’s absence on the field is a massive blow for the Stormers, but the franchise has not hit the panic button just yet.

Fourie is set to miss the rest of the United Rugby Championship season after suffering a tibia fracture in the heart-stopping 34-29 win over Connacht in a bruising Round 15 encounter in Cape Town on Saturday.

Fourie took to the field as a replacement in the 62nd minute, and less than a minute later, he hobbled off with a leg injury. He was later spotted on crutches.

Having undergone knee surgery after suffering a serious knee injury – an ACL tear- in April 2024 while playing for the Stormers against La Rochelle in the Champions Cup, he also recently suffered a bad concussion.

In the wake of Saturday’s victory, Stormers Director of Rugby John Dobson predicted that he sustained a tibia fracture, which could spell the end of Fourie’s season – a fact that has been confirmed by forwards coach Rito Hlungwani on Tuesday.

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“Deon has a broken tibia, so he will be out for a while and will definitely not play this season,” Hlungwani told reporters during an online media briefing.

“Losing a player of Deon’s calibre and experience is a major blow. But you know, Deon was in yesterday [Monday] and he is in today.

“He is one guy who really contributes to the team in totally different ways. So not having him on the field is a major blow, but he’ll still be present.”

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Hlungwani said Fourie still plays a vital role off the field and has paid special attention to Paul de Villiers.

The 22-year-old De Villiers was in the starting line-up against Connacht before Fourie replaced him in the last quarter.

“He has really taken Paul de Villiers under his wing.

“He was in the office today analysing the game with him, so we still have him in that regard. It’s just tricky and tough not having him on the field.

“We’re moving forward, and he is helping us move forward in the right ways.”

Hlungwani added: “It was De Villiers’ first start after playing a couple of games off the bench, and I thought it was quite impressive – I thought he did well.

“Paul, like all good openside flanks, has a very high work rate, but he also has a really good tackle technique. He is always first to the breakdown, and it is nice to have him in the mauls.

“His carrying technique means we can build momentum nicely and early from the mauls.”

From a player’s perspective and fellow loose forward, Evan Roos, said it’s sad to see Fourie sustain the season-ending injury.

However, he is excited for young De Villiers to develop as a first-choice No.6.

“I really feel for Deon. In terms of leadership, he’s always been a big voice in our group,” said Roos.

“He naturally brings calmness with his experience, and now that we are heading into the deciding part of the season, that will be missed.

“But I am excited for Paul, with whom I get on and rate as a player. He is a good person and a good man, and I have enjoyed playing alongside him as he grows into our systems. I am heartsore for Deon, but this is an opportunity for Paul.”

In terms of other injuries, Hlungwani revealed that Springbok Franse Malherbe will again be unavailable this weekend.

The mentor said the prop has not been training and is unable to confirm a timeline for the Bok tighthead prop’s return from a back injury.

“He’s definitely not training, so he won’t be available for selection this week,” said Hlungwani.

The Stormers will host Benetton this Saturday at the Cape Town Stadium in Round 16 of the URC.