Is Stormers’ Neethling Fouche the latest Springbok front-row bolter?
Stormers prop Neethling Fouche during a game.
Stormers forwards coach Rito Hlungwani believes the Springboks should “open the door” for tighthead prop Neethling Fouche, who has shown great form for the Capetonians this season.
In the absence of the injured double Rugby World Cup-winning star Frans Malherbe, Fouche has really stepped up this season both on the field and in the changing room, emerging as one of the key leadership figures in the side.
Complete front-row
Fouche’s scrummaging has come on in leaps and bounds with the 31-year-old at the centre of the Stormers‘ recent dominance in the set-piece. Pair that with his ball-carrying and influence in the dressing room and there is, according to Hlungwani, a player worthy of a Bok call-up.
“It’s a dream for many players to one day play for the Stormers, but Nettas (Fouche) is extremely passionate about it,” Hlungwani told Netwerk24.
“He works very hard, wants to constantly improve and I think he has put his hand up. He is a warrior and I think he can fit comfortably into the national setup thanks to his work ethic.
“I think they [the Springboks] should open the door for him, at least for the alignment camps so they can get a look at whether he will fit in that environment. I believe he will.”
Two different props
Hlungwani did not only praise Fouche but also touched on Sti Sithole, who has been brilliant since signing from the Lions. The coach highlighted how the two props differ in their approach to the game.
“Neethling used brute strength and his big body, while everything for Sti revolved around technique,” Hlungwani said. “Sti has been focusing on technique since junior level, which excites Nettas. Sti was always a tough opponent for him.
“He came in and felt that everyone respected him and valued his input. You can see it in the way he plays.”
The front-row pair have played a key role in the Stormers’ recent turnaround in form that has seen them win their last five games, with victories over La Rochelle, the Bulls, the Sharks, Sale Sharks and Stade Francais.
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