Deon Fourie’s expected appearance against Australia in Sydney on Saturday will double as an audition for the role Schalk Brits played for the Springboks at the 2019 World Cup. DYLAN JACK reports.
Fourie was a surprise inclusion on the bench in the No 16 jersey when the Springboks on Tuesday revealed multiple changes to the team that went down to the Wallabies in Adelaide.
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The 35-year-old made his Test debut at loose forward against Wales in Bloemfontein, a position he starred in for the title-winning Stormers last season. However, he has not played at hooker since March 2019 and has not had a full-time role in the No 2 jersey since the 2017-18 season.
“Deon is a player that we are maybe looking ahead to see if he can make the World Cup in France next year,” said Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber, when asked to explain Fourie’s role.
“We think he can play a similar role as a utility forward like Schalk Brits did at the previous World Cup. He’s someone who can play at hooker for us and can help out as a loose forward.”
Nienaber moved to ease fears that Fourie, who was superb as an openside flank for the Stormers, would be rusty when he takes the field in Sydney.
“Before that first Test against the All Blacks in Nelspruit, with Bongi Mbonambi’s injury, Deon had been training in both those roles. He had been dividing his time 50/50 on being a hooker and being a loosie,” said Nienaber.
“Since Bongi’s injury, however, he has been concentrating 100% on being a hooker. He is someone who we trust.”
Fourie’s inclusion means that Joseph Dweba has fallen out of the match-day squad after two difficult performances, where he struggled to consistently hit his targets at the lineout.
“Joseph was good for us in the two matches that he played and I believe he learned a lot,” said Nienaber. “There were a lot of positives regarding his play and there are some small things that he can improve.
“Deon gets his chance now, and we are excited to see what he can bring.”
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Photo: Twitter: @Springboks
