Deon Fourie, the seasoned Stormers forward, is all geared up and ready to don the iconic black kit for the team's first home game of the season against the Sharks at Cape Town Stadium this coming Saturday. At 40 years old, Fourie is brimming with enthusiasm, having recently rejoined the team from international duties. The Stormers are looking to build momentum after mixed results in their initial matches, securing a win against Connacht but facing a setback in Edinburgh.
The Sharks, led by JP Pietersen, arrive in Cape Town boasting an unbeaten record and sitting at the top of the URC log after clinching bonus-point wins over the Ospreys and Leinster. With such formidable opponents, Stormers' coach John Dobson is considering some strategic lineup changes, introducing Springbok players like Fourie, who are expected to heighten the competition.
Having traveled the world with the Springboks for the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series earlier in August, Fourie expressed his rejuvenation upon his return.
“It was quite a long time flying around the world … So, ja, I feel recharged,”he shared with reporters. Despite competition from teammates like Siya Kolisi and Paul de Villiers for the openside flank role, Fourie is willing to fill any position necessary, having started at hooker against the All Blacks earlier.
Fourie emphasized the importance of not rushing too many returning Springboks into the game too quickly, suggesting that a week's rest has benefited them but balance in reintroduction could be crucial. He anticipates a “physicality-wise” intense match, emphasizing the need for the Stormers to step up from the very beginning.
“They’ve got good players who can get them on the front foot, so physicality-wise, we must be up there. In any derby, it’s all about that physicality from the get-go.”This derby, he predicts, will be a high-quality encounter, especially noting the scrum battle prospects between Wilco Louw and Ox Nché.
The match also bears sentimental value for Fourie, reflecting his career's full circle; playing in the black jerseys is a nostalgic moment, reminiscent of his early days missing out on the 'Men in Black' era. “There was a lot of hype around the jersey when it was announced. It brings back a lot of history,” he remarked, highlighting the unique aspect of both teams playing in contrasting colors - Stormers in black and Sharks in white. Fourie humorously hopes the crowd roots for the correct "black jerseys."
