IN THE SPOTLIGHT: There isn’t a doubt that Deon Fourie’s absence on the sector is a large blow for the Stormers, however the franchise has not hit the panic button simply but.
Fourie is about to overlook the remainder of the United Rugby Championship season after struggling a tibia fracture within the heart-stopping 34-29 win over Connacht in a bruising Spherical 15 encounter in Cape City on Saturday.
Fourie took to the sector as a alternative within the 62nd minute, and fewer than a minute later, he hobbled off with a leg damage. He was later noticed on crutches.
Having undergone knee surgical procedure after struggling a severe knee damage – an ACL tear- in April 2024 whereas taking part in for the Stormers towards La Rochelle within the Champions Cup, he additionally just lately suffered a nasty concussion.
Within the wake of Saturday’s victory, Stormers Director of Rugby John Dobson predicted that he sustained a tibia fracture, which might spell the top of Fourie’s season – a incontrovertible fact that has been confirmed by forwards coach Rito Hlungwani on Tuesday.
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“Deon has a damaged tibia, so he will likely be out for some time and will certainly not play this season,” Hlungwani instructed reporters throughout a web-based media briefing.
“Dropping a participant of Deon’s calibre and expertise is a significant blow. However you already know, Deon was in yesterday [Monday] and he’s in right now.
“He’s one man who actually contributes to the staff in completely other ways. So not having him on the sector is a significant blow, however he’ll nonetheless be current.”
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Hlungwani stated Fourie nonetheless performs a significant position off the sector and has paid particular consideration to Paul de Villiers.
The 22-year-old De Villiers was within the beginning line-up towards Connacht earlier than Fourie changed him within the final quarter.
“He has actually taken Paul de Villiers beneath his wing.
“He was within the workplace right now analysing the sport with him, so we nonetheless have him in that regard. It’s simply tough and difficult not having him on the sector.
“We’re shifting ahead, and he’s serving to us transfer ahead in the appropriate methods.”
Hlungwani added: “It was De Villiers’ first begin after taking part in a few video games off the bench, and I assumed it was fairly spectacular – I assumed he did effectively.
“Paul, like all good openside flanks, has a really excessive work price, however he additionally has a extremely good deal with approach. He’s all the time first to the breakdown, and it’s good to have him within the mauls.
“His carrying approach means we will construct momentum properly and early from the mauls.”
From a participant’s perspective and fellow unfastened ahead, Evan Roos, stated it’s unhappy to see Fourie maintain the season-ending damage.
Nevertheless, he’s excited for younger De Villiers to develop as a first-choice No.6.
“I actually really feel for Deon. When it comes to management, he’s all the time been an enormous voice in our group,” stated Roos.
“He naturally brings calmness along with his expertise, and now that we’re heading into the deciding a part of the season, that will likely be missed.
“However I’m excited for Paul, with whom I get on and price as a participant. He is an effective particular person and a superb man, and I’ve loved taking part in alongside him as he grows into our programs. I’m heartsore for Deon, however this is a chance for Paul.”
When it comes to different accidents, Hlungwani revealed that Springbok Franse Malherbe will once more be unavailable this weekend.
The mentor stated the prop has not been coaching and is unable to substantiate a timeline for the Bok tighthead prop’s return from a again damage.
“He’s positively not coaching, so he gained’t be obtainable for choice this week,” stated Hlungwani.
The Stormers will host Benetton this Saturday on the Cape City Stadium in Spherical 16 of the URC.
