Stormers' valuable asset back for North-South derby
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: The Stormers received some incredible news ahead of their United Rugby Championship quarterfinal match against the Bulls on Saturday.
The Stormers’ form in recent weeks has been very troubling courtesy of major injuries to key players.
The side suffered their first home defeat of the season against Munster earlier this month and struggled during the win over Benetton a fortnight ago.
John Dobson’s men certainly look vulnerable – especially at the breakdown.
However, one man that can help overturn their fortunes is Deon Fourie.
The 36-year-old is set to return to action after he was sidelined for a month with a medial orbital wall (eye socket) fracture.
Consequently, Fourie missed the final two round-robin matches against Munster and Benetton, as well as the Champions Cup quarterfinal against Exeter Chiefs.
His return will be a big boost for the Stormers.
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The Bok flank was instrumental during last year’s URC final against the Bulls in Cape Town.
He has been incredible throughout the season and his experience will be vital this weekend.
Speaking to reporters, Stormers forwards coach Rito Hlungwani said the Springbok is showing good signs and he could be available this weekend.
“Deon has been training and he is looking really good,” Hlungwani said.
“It’s not just his playing ability, it’s not just his breakdown ability, it’s his experience that he brings to the team and his leadership. It is something that we really, really value.
“We are quite happy to have him back and I am sure he will contribute as best as he can.”
The forwards coach also provided positive news regarding the Stormers’ second-row concerns, despite injuries to Ernst van Rhyn and Ruben van Heerden against Benetton.
“We aren’t sitting with a problem [in the second row],” Hlungwani said.
“We’ve had several combinations and in the past, we’ve had some tough injuries there. If we look at our lock stocks, we are sitting with Marvin [Orie], Ben-Jason [Dixon] has played lock, Gary Porter has played for us and Adre Smith is back from injury.
“It is a pity about those injuries that we had.
“Luckily for us, at the right time, Adre has come back. We are in a good position and a good space.”
Hlungwani said Seabelo Senatla is another player that will be up for selection this weekend.
Senatla suffered a concussion during the match also against Benetton and was stretched off the field.
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