Deon Fourie set for Stormers return with Springbok hopes still alive

Deon Fourie is poised to make his return for the Stormers against the All Blacks at Cape Town Stadium on Friday, with the Rugby World Cup winner still determined to earn another opportunity in the green and gold of South Africa.

Fourie, affectionately known as “Brannas”, is set to turn 40 next month but has not abandoned his ambition of playing more Tests for the Springboks. The Stormers forward spoke about that goal at a press conference on Monday.

“You always want to wear the green and gold jersey,” Fourie told reporters.

“I think that’s the ambition of every rugby player.

“I’ve enjoyed the rugby just before my last injury. Hopefully, I can put in a good performance, hopefully the fitness is up there, and I can maybe put my hand up for one or two more Tests.”

Fourie has been out since suffering a knee injury during the Stormers’ United Rugby Championship match against Ulster in May. The injury followed a croc-roll from Iain Henderson.

Despite that setback, and a career that has included several serious injuries, Fourie has recovered in time to put himself forward for one of the biggest matches in the Stormers’ season.

The experienced player acknowledged that Friday’s contest will provide the clearest indication of whether he has returned to his best physical level.

“I’m ready,” Fourie said.

“It’s about 10 or 11 weeks after the operation. Fitness-wise, I’ll probably only be able to tell you on Friday.

“I am definitely raring to go, and it’s a great opportunity. I was looking forward to this match since it was announced a year or two ago.”

The Stormers will face an All Blacks side at Cape Town Stadium in a fixture that Fourie believes will be a landmark occasion for the home team’s players.

The match will give many members of the Stormers squad the chance to represent their union against a full Test side, while also experiencing the haka at close quarters.

“Just to represent your union, a club that has been very dear to my heart, and play against a Test side like the All Blacks is such a big occasion.

“80 or 90 percent of these guys won’t have the opportunity to play against them again or face the haka.

“That’s something that every little boy, when you start playing rugby, and you watch the Springboks playing the All Blacks, you always want to stand in that line in front of them.

“I think most of these guys’ training [this week] will get that opportunity and probably the only opportunity in their career.”

For Fourie, the fixture offers more than a return from injury. A strong performance could also strengthen his case for a further international call-up, although he will first have to prove his fitness and effectiveness against New Zealand.

The Stormers’ meeting with the All Blacks kicks off at 19:00 on Friday.