Deon Fourie on the attack. (Photo: Hansie Linde.)
Yes, it is true that there are few things that look as good on the United Rugby Championship rugby field as the Stormers back line at full speed, but Deon Fourie also has a lion’s share in the Cape Town’s success.
The 36-year-old loose forward’s play at the breakdown points could be decisive in Saturday’s semi-final against Connacht at the DHL Stadium.
After all, the Galway team ran amok in this section of the game against Ulster earlier.
However, the Stormers management is currently unsure whether Fourie will be in their match group after he hurt his hamstring in the quarter-final against the Bulls.
“There is probably a 50% chance that Deon will play; we will make a decision after Friday’s captain’s run,” said John Dobson.
According to the Stormers coach, Fourie’s untimely injury is a setback, especially because there is no such thing as a second chance in a knockout match. At the same time, the player’s goals for the rest of the year must also be taken into account.
After all, a plane ticket to the World Cup tournament in France is at stake.
“So there is no pressure on Deon. If he wants to play, then that’s nice and he’s definitely still part of our plans.”
Meanwhile, Steven Kitshoff confirmed once again that the Stormers will not underestimate the visiting Irish club.
“Connacht is a physical rugby team and they are especially a threat at the breakdown points. However, there is a lot of pressure on us because people don’t expect them to win the game; we will definitely have to be at our very best,” said the Stormers captain.
The Stormers have confirmed on social media that 35,000 tickets have already been sold for the clash. An attendance record or two was broken last week in his quarter-final match against the Bulls when 44,109 spectators packed the DHL stadium.
The match starts at 16:00 on Saturday and the action will be broadcast live on SuperSport.
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35 000 tickets gone and Tier Three at DHL Stadium now open for R80 and R100 each.
????️ Get yours now https://t.co/J9Dq7IoX52#iamastorms #dhldelivers #UnitedWeRise pic.twitter.com/ih7cI1AMkS
— DHL Stormers (@THESTORMERS) May 11, 2023
