The experienced Deon Fourie, who will start the Springboks’ second Test against the Wallabies in the Castle Lager Rugby Championship on the bench, will be ready for action and said he hoped to grab the opportunity at Sydney’s Allianz Stadium with both hands.
Fourie, who made his Springbok debut as a replacement flanker in the second Test against Wales ins July, has been named as replacement hooker for Malcolm Marx, who will start in the No 2 jersey after a number of barnstorming appearances off the bench.
Hooker is nothing strange for Fourie, as he played there for several years before making the switch to flanker. And while he admitted that it was the first time in years he played the front row, he looked forward to the challenge.
“In my 16 years as a professional rugby player I’ve played more at hooker than flanker, so I am more experienced at hooker,” said Fourie.
“Throwing in the lineouts is only a small part of the game. There are many other areas to the game too.
“That said, I’ve been training hard, and it has been going well, so I’m looking forward to this chance.”
Fourie shot down the opinion that being a versatile player was a disadvantage, rather than a benefit and said: “Some people may think it is negative to be a utility player, but I think it is great for the team if you have a player who can cover two or three positions.”
Following Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber’s comments earlier this week that he could see Fourie possibly fulfilling a similar role to experienced hooker Schalk Brits at the 2019 Rugby World Cup, Fourie said the possibility of going to the international spectacle was a motivational factor to keep going.
“There is excitement but pressure as well to keep my game up,” said Fourie.
“When I came back to South Africa last year I didn’t think I’d be sitting here with a Springbok on my chest, so hopefully I can go out there, do my best.”
