Deon Fourie © Gallo Photos
Previously when Deon Fourie has been injured there was a contact of panic within the DHL Stormers ranks as a result of he’s such a tough man to switch however the emergence of younger Paul de Villiers as a like-for-like alternative has made that much less the case this time round.
Stormers forwards coach Rito Hlungwani confirmed on Tuesday what was already suspected by director of rugby John Dobson within the rapid aftermath of his workforce’s 34-29 win over Connacht of their spherical 15 Vodacom United Rugby Championship recreation – the damage that noticed the veteran Springbok World Cup winner hobbling on crutches on the sidelines is a damaged tibia.
“Deon has a damaged tibia and which means we positively received’t see him play once more this season,” mentioned Hlungwani throughout a break within the Stormers’ preparations for what has turn into a large quasi knock-out recreation towards Benetton in Cape City on Saturday.
Nonetheless, whereas Hlungwani mentioned that Fourie’s onfield management can be missed, he nonetheless has a job to play throughout the group in an off-field capability – and specifically pertaining to his continued grooming of 22-year-old De Villiers to be a profitable alternative within the No 6 jersey.
De Villiers did begin the sport towards Connacht, with Fourie being injured quickly after coming onto the sphere as a final quarter alternative.
“Deon’s management function extends means past simply what he brings on the sphere. He has been within the workplace over the previous two days going over Paul’s recreation with him and giving him pointers and usually persevering with what he was already doing.
“Clearly shedding a participant of Deon’s calibre is a significant blow, however he’s nonetheless current and has taken Paul below his wing.”
The Stormers forwards coach doesn’t normally get too effusive about particular person performances, maybe as a result of he prefers the gamers to remain grounded and never get too far forward of themselves.
So whereas his reward for De Villiers may appear to some to be a bit understated, what he did say might be seen as him having excessive regard for De Villiers’ talents.
“It was De Villiers’ first begin after enjoying a few video games off the bench and I believed it was fairly spectacular, I believed he did effectively,” mentioned Hlungwani.
“Paul, like all good openside flanks, has a really excessive work charge however he additionally has a very good deal with approach. He’s all the time first to the breakdown and it’s good to have him within the mauls. His carrying approach means we will construct momentum good and early from the mauls.”
Certainly, whereas many who noticed De Villiers enjoying at age-group degree likened him to former Cheetahs and Springbok ace ball scavenger Heinrich Brussow, each due to his bodily stature and ball profitable potential, he does carry the ball fairly a bit and does it in a mode that could be a little harking back to the hulking former Natal, Transvaal and Springbok flanker Wahl Bartmann.
That De Villiers will develop into a giant participant not just for the Stormers but in addition for his nation appears extremely seemingly and whereas one in every of his back-row teammates Evan Roos is of course unhappy to see his mate Fourie dominated out for the season, he confesses to being excited for De Villiers for the chance he now has to develop as a primary selection No 6 on the Cape franchise.
“I actually really feel for Deon. By way of management, he’s all the time been a giant voice in our group,” mentioned Roos.
“He naturally brings calmness along with his expertise and now that we’re heading into the deciding a part of the season that can be missed. However I’m excited for Paul, who I get on with and charge as a participant.
“He is an efficient individual and a great man and I’ve loved enjoying alongside him as he grows into our techniques. I’m heartsore for Deon however this is a chance for Paul.”
