'No player can survive that': Stormers sweating over Bok ahead of URC play-offs
The Stormers’ push for a favourable United Rugby Championship play-off position has suffered a potentially devastating blow, with veteran forward Deon Fourie facing an anxious wait over an injury.
The 39-year-old Fourie’s season could be over after he sustained a knee injury during the 38-38 draw with Ulster in Belfast on Friday.
The result saw the Stormers bag three points. However, the Stormers (59 points) relinquished top spot in the standings to Glasgow (60 points) after the Scottish side recorded a 40-17 win over Cardiff.
Fourie’s evening was cut short after being caught in a croc roll at the breakdown by lock Iain Henderson.
The Ulster captain was handed a yellow card in the ninth minute for the croc roll, but it was later upgraded to a 20-minute red card in the 14th minute.
*READ: ULSTER V STORMERS MATCH REPORT
Although Fourie attempted to continue, the experienced forward was eventually forced from the field in visible discomfort.
Speaking after the match, Stormers Director of Rugby John Dobson confirmed there was medial ligament damage to Fourie’s knee, but the full extent was not yet known.
“I feel very sorry for Deon Fourie,” Dobson said.
“That [croc roll] has to be removed from the game, and the player [offending] must be removed for the whole match.
“Deon has damaged the medial ligaments in his knee. We’ll have to learn that no player can survive that. If we don’t take that out, there’s no room for turnovers, and if there are no ball stealers at the breakdown, the game becomes like rugby league.”
However, Dobson stopped short of accusing Henderson of malicious intent.
“I don’t think a player does that or wants to injure a guy’s knee deliberately. I think the referee probably got it right. But it was a very big blow for us, especially considering the form Deon is in.”
Fourie was replaced by Paul de Villiers, who made a solid impact off the bench. He made crucial turnovers during the showdown and has been incredible for the team throughout the season.
“Paul did a good job,” Dobson noted.
The Stormers will have to win their final league match against Cardiff next week to secure a home quarterfinal.
