Stormers v Bulls at Loftus: 'It is going to hurt'
Deon André Fourie, or Brannas as he is affectionately referred to, is excited about making his comeback in the ‘torture chamber’ that is Loftus Versfeld.
Fourie is set to feature in the Stormers’ matchday 23 against the Bulls in Pretoria this coming Saturday.
He is ready to push through the ‘pain barrier, saying that 80 percent of the game is mental, pushing through the pain barrier when everything else tells you to stop.
“It is going to hurt, it is going to be sore,” Fourie said.
“That is why we play rugby. That is why we love it.”
Fourie, who will turn 40 in September, said he feels ‘fresh’ after playing only a handful of games in the last two years.
A succession of knee (ACL tear), tibia (fracture) and bicep (torn) injuries since April 2024, has put a question mark over the playing future of the 13-times capped Springbok.
However, he is adamant about going out on his terms and will feature in a crucial United Rugby Championship North-South derby against the Bulls and Loftus Versfeld on Saturday.
“I’m very grateful to be back,” he told @JanDKrugby at the Stormers’ training ground in Belville.
It has been a tough two years.
“After my ACL injury [April 2024], I played four games,” he said, adding: “Then I injured my ankle [tibia fracture in April 2025] and then played one game before [I tore] my bicep [against Scarlets in October last year].”
He said the first contact would wipe away any cobwebs and then he’ll get into it.
Making his comeback in a North-South derby at Loftus is ‘special’ for the ‘miracle man’, who will be best remembered for playing 75 minutes as a hooker in the iconic 12-11 World Cup Final win over New Zealand.
* (WATCH as World Cup-winning Springbok utility Deon Fourie speaks about his latest comeback, after two horror, injury-ravaged years..….)
“Given the history and the many times I played against the Bulls, it is a great game to come back in.
“It gets the best out of everyone.”
He said the last injury was particularly challenging, with lots of emotions and questions going through his mind.
“My motto is that I like to prove people wrong,” he said.
He brushed aside ‘retirement’ questions, saying he is just focused on getting through his first comeback game on Saturday injury-free.
Based on their last encounter, a 13-8 Stormers win in a cliffhanger in Cape Town back in January, Loftus is not going to be for the faint of heart.
“Winning the physical contest is where the game will be won,” Fourie said.
@JanDKrugby
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