Injured Fourie to aid De Villiers as Stormers without Springbok Malherbe for Benetton URC clash

Springbok flank Deon Fourie won’t play for the Stormers again this season, but will still play a crucial role in their last-gasp push for a United Rugby Championship playoff spot.

Forwards coach Rito Hlungwani confirmed on Tuesday that the 38-year-old loose forward sustained a broken tibia in last Saturday’s 34-29 win over Connacht at Cape Town Stadium.

Fourie had been on the pitch for just a minute when he tackled Connacht flank Conor Oliver, and stood up gingerly before going off, and is now unlikely to feature for the Boks in 2025 either.

Stormers coach John Dobson said afterwards that he believed Fourie’s leg was broken, and Hlungwani added that the veteran forward would be missed as a player, but would assist in helping to develop his replacement, Paul de Villiers.

“I think it’s a broken tibia, so he will be out for a while – probably the season, I think,” Hlungwani said.

“Losing a player of Deon’s calibre and experience is a major blow, but Deon was in yesterday and was in today.

“He’s one guy that really contributes to the team in totally different ways.

“So, not having him on the field is a major blow, but he will still be present. He’s really put Paul de Villiers under his wing.

“He was in the office today analysing the game with him.

“So, we still gain in that regard, but it is tricky and tough not having him on the field. But we are moving forward, and he is helping us in the right way as well.”

Star No 8 Evan Roos added that while it was disappointing to see Fourie sidelined, he was looking forward to watching De Villiers’ progress.

“It’s sad to see somebody get injured, so I really feel for him and hope everything goes well and smoothly,” Roos said on Tuesday.

“In terms of leadership, Brannas is a big voice and a big character in the team. He brings a lot of calmness, with all the experience that he has.

“So, that is definitely something we will miss out on. He works really hard and is a big part of our team, and is a real Province man.

“But I’m very excited for Paul. He is a good player, and me and him get along quite well.

“He is a good person, good man, and I’m happy that he’s getting an opportunity. He works hard, and he’s always keen to learn – which is always good to see for someone just getting into the system.”

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Hlungwani said that there were no new injury concerns ahead of Saturday’s URC clash against Benetton at Cape Town Stadium (6.15pm start).

Bok prop Frans Malherbe won’t be resuming training this week, with Hlungwani stating that there was no further update on when he would return to action from a back problem that saw him miss the Connacht encounter.

Sazi Sandi is likely to continue at No 3 against Benetton this weekend, with Neethling Fouché still suspended.