6 October 2026
DHL Stormers veteran Deon Fourie says he feels "recharged" and ready to front a ferocious physical onslaught in this weekend's highly anticipated coastal derby against the Hollywoodbets Sharks.
The 40-year-old utility forward is back at full throttle following an arduous global travel schedule. Despite a fierce logjam for the openside flank jersey alongside Springbok skipper Siya Kolisi and rising star Paul de Villiers, the versatile warrior remains completely unfazed about where he lines up on the pitch.
“It was quite a long time flying around the world… So, ja, I feel recharged,” Fourie told reporters. “Wherever the team needs me, where there’s a gap to fill – I’ll play hooker, flank or tighthead prop. Then it’s up to the coaches to make the tough decisions.”
Fourie underscored the set-piece as the definitive battleground for Saturday's clash, highlighting a heavyweight scrum showdown between Wilco Louw and Ox Nché. The veteran trash-collector warned his teammates that matching the visitors' raw power right from the opening whistle is non-negotiable.
“They’ve got good players who can get them on the front foot, so physicality-wise, we must be up there," Fourie insisted. "In any derby, it’s all about that physicality from the get-go.”
The blockbuster fixture at DHL Stadium will also see the hosts run out in their retro-inspired 'Men in Black' kit, sparking massive ticket demand in the Mother City. For Fourie, who missed out on the original era of the iconic jersey early in his career, the occasion represents a massive full-circle moment.
“There was a lot of hype around the jersey when it was announced. It brings back a lot of history," Fourie added. "It’s going to be weird playing in black jerseys against the Sharks and them playing in white jerseys. Hopefully the crowd just shouts for the right black jerseys.”