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Stormers to get Deon Fourie boost ahead of Bulls URC quarter-final
The defending competition champions have won all five of their matches in the URC against the Bulls.
Deon Fourie has been back training with the Stormers this week. Picture: Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images
The Stormers are delighted to have Deon Fourie back in training ahead of the United Rugby Championship quarter-final against the Bulls on Saturday.
Fourie has been out of action since suffering a fractured eye socket in the Champions Cup last-16 clash against Harlequins in Cape Town.
The injury caused Fourie to miss the final two round-robin matches against Munster and Benetton, as well as the Champions Cup quarter-final against Exeter Chiefs.
‘Experience’
As the Stormers prepare to take a big step in their URC title defence in the home quarter-final against the Bulls, they have welcomed the presence of their veteran openside flank.
“Deon has been training, he is looking really good,” said forwards coach Rito Hlungwani earlier this week.
“It’s not just his playing ability, it’s not just his breakdown ability, it’s his experience that he brings to the team and his leadership. It is something that we really, really value.
“So we are quite happy to have him back and I am sure he will contribute as best as he can.”
A potential injury concern from the last home game of the season, against Benetton in Stellenbosch, was Seabelo Senatla, after the winger suffered a concussion while challenging for a kick and had to be stretchered off the field.
“Seabelo is training and he is up for selection,” Hlungwani said.
“He has a bit of strapping on his calf but he is moving well.”
Lock situation
Hlungwani was also positive about the Stormers’ lock stocks, despite the knee injuries suffered by Ernst van Rhyn and Ruben van Heerden against Benetton.
“We aren’t sitting with a problem there. We’ve had several combinations and in the past, we’ve had some tough injuries there. If we look at our lock stocks, we are sitting with Marvin [Orie], BJ [Dixon] has played lock, Gary Porter has played for us and Adre Smith is back from injury.
“It is a pity about those injuries that we had. Luckily for us, at the right time, Adre has come back. We are in a good position and a good space.”
This story first appeared on sarugbymag.co.za. It is republished here with permission. For the original story click here.
