Analysis: Deon Fourie continues to prove his worth for the Stormers

Jared Wright

Stormers veteran Deon Fourie looking on.

Stormers back-rower Deon Fourie showed against Clermont that he is at the top of his game and can produce on the biggest stage, which will only benefit the Springboks.

Fourie became the oldest Springbok debutant this July earning his maiden cap off the bench against Wales at the age of 35 years and 287 days, and it was not a one-off, as he ended the year with five Test caps. 

Another strong outing for the Stormers against Clermont showed that this was just the start for Fourie as he continues his bid for a spot in the Springboks’ World Cup squad through his club-level performances.

Bomb squad specialist

He is yet to start for the Springboks; for many international teams, this would indicate that he is yet to stamp his mark in the squad. Not for the South Africans, with the famed Bomb squad just as important as the starters. 

Fourie‘s breakdown expertise, work rate and physicality make him a perfect fit in the Bomb Squad and his ability to play at flank, no.8, and hooker adds additional value to the overall squad.

The 36-year-old is also a popular figure in the Stormers and Springboks‘ squads, with his nickname ‘Brannewyn’ (or Brannes, Afrikaans for Brandy) derived from his off-field antics. 

He often sports an ear-to-ear grin and cracks jokes in training and warm-ups. But make no mistake, though, Fourie is a fierce competitor when it comes down to it.

His war wounds are a clear indication of that. He learnt of his maiden Test call-up when he arrived late to the Stormers’ dressing room, after visiting the medics to mend his split lip – an injury sustained during their URC semi-final victory over Ulster. A week later, he justified his call-up with a man-of-the-match performance in the final against the Bulls, smiling after the match with a swollen eye and another busted lip. 

Continually proving his worth

South Africa is blessed with back-row and hooker options, forcing any player vying for those positions to prove their worth regularly. Even more so for Fourie, as he constantly has to shake off the doubts over his age and the toll that over 300 professional rugby matches has on the body.

He backed up his man-of-the-match performance in the URC final with a solid first outing for the Springboks off the bench, albeit in a defeat to Wales.

Later in the year, he made a telling impact as a replacement in the second Rugby Championship Test against Argentina. 

He won two turnovers for the Springboks, one of which led to the lineout that Malcolm Marx would score from, an attacking move he played his part in.

His impact in his last Test of the year against France was cut short due to a yellow card, as he was judged to have collapsed a threatening Les Bleus maul while the Boks were on a team warning.   

Another standout performance

The Stormers were dealt the ultimate baptism of fire when the Champions Cup fixtures were announced with an opening game at the Stade Marcel-Michelin. The stadium is one of the most formidable places to visit in Europe.

But yet again, Fourie rose to the challenge, producing the standout performance from the Stormers.

He barged his way over the line from a rolling maul to help set up a 14-3 half-time lead while his excellence at the breakdown regularly stopped Clermont in their tracks.

His side couldn’t hold out for the victory, but that had little to do with the performance of their veteran. 

He claimed four turnovers in total, a round-high along with Racing 92’s Gael Fickou, while his work rate is highlighted by his 24 ruck entries split evenly on attack and defence.

His 12 defensive ruck entries matched that of Toulouse’s Jack Willis against Munster, while only Castres’ Mathieu Babillot (15) bettered the pair’s count.

Fourie also had moments that stats don’t quite capture, with his sheer work rate denying Clermont a try on two occasions. 

With Clermont hammering the Stormers’ line before half-time, he made a crucial tackle on Apisau Naqalevu. He drove the centre back a yard, not only buying his team-mates time to reset but also slowing Clermont down as they had to track back to clear out the ruck. 

He followed that up with a sharp tackle on Sebastien Vahaamahina. Moments later, he pilfered over the ball when Tomas Lavanini was chopped down by Salmaan Moerat, winning the penalty for his side inches away from his try-line.

Fifty-five minutes into the match, the Stormers held just a one-point advantage. A kick-through from Clermont puts the visitors’ backfield under pressure. Manie Libbok covers the kick and passes to Leolin Zas, who slipped just after the pass was made.

The slip means Zas spills the ball, and Yohan Beheregaray is on hand to toe the ball on. However, Fourie spotted the danger from about 50 metres out and sprinted back to provide support. 

Stormers and Springboks back rowerDeon Fourie's work rate to get back and deny clermont a try in the champions cup clash at the Stade Marcel-Michelan

In doing so, he was at the right place at the right time and beat Killian Tixeront, regathered the ball, offloaded to Hacjivah Dayimani and ultimately, Herschel Jantjies could clear into touch.

Rassie Erasmus came out this week to praise the Springboks’ depth ahead of next year’s Rugby World Cup, and it’s hard to imagine that he didn’t have Fourie in mind when doing so. 

The 36-year-old continues to defy the traditional views of a veteran player and shows no sign of stalling anytime soon. Don’t be surprised when he cracks the nod for the Springboks’ 2023 World Cup squad and plays a pivotal role in their campaign. 

READ MORE: South Africa Sevens legend turns focus to coaching after glittering playing career

Champions Cup Deon Fourie

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