Deon Fourie played a burst in the previous game against Harlequins. (Photo: Hansie Linde.)
The Stormers coach, John Dobson, admitted that Deon Fourie’s absence left a big void in the team for their important play-off game against the Exeter Chiefs.
The Capetians lost 42 – 17 in the quarter-final of the Champions Cup at Sandy Park and they struggled especially in the first half.
“I don’t want to make excuses but we didn’t try to steal the ball on the ground at all and Exeter enjoyed quick possession. Yes-no, we missed Deon. He would certainly have made things difficult for them,” Dobson said.
The 36-year-old Fourie suffered an eye socket injury and he may be on the sidelines for quite a few weeks.
“Such an injury means that a player can be on the crutches list for up to eight weeks, but Deon is a tough guy. Maybe we’re lucky and he’s not available for just four weeks.”
At least there is a silver lining around the dark injury cloud: Evan Roos should fire on all pistons again soon.
The strong loose forward has been struggling with a knee injury since January, but he can make his appearance on the field again next week.
“Evan is back next week and that is very important for us with the United Rugby Championship coming to an end. He will either be on the substitutes’ bench against Munster, or play for the Currie Cup team.”
Dobson believes that Fourie and Roos’ combination could perhaps level the playing field a little more against Exeter.
“It may sound like an excuse, but if you had Deon Fourie to slow the ball down a bit and Evan Roos with his physical play, things might have looked different. However, Exeter played excellently.”
