Deon Fourie believes South African teams have the depth and the mindset to challenge for European glory, but only if they fully embrace the demands of the Investec Champions Cup.
The veteran forward and World Cup winner has played at the highest level for almost 20 years, and is now imparting his wisdom, experience and leadership on the next generation of Stormers stars.
Fourie’s experience in France, where he spent seven seasons playing for Lyon and Grenoble, has shaped his view on what it takes to succeed in Europe.
“At the Stormers at the moment, there are guys that literally could have been my kid,” 39-year-old Fourie joked on the For The Love of Rugby SA podcast with former Springbok teammates Steven Kitshoff and Trevor Nyakane.
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“The Top 14 is probably one of the toughest competitions outside of international rugby,” he added. “You’re playing against top players every week, and that helps you grow.”
It’s a lesson the four South African clubs are grasping as they juggle Vodacom URC and EPCR commitments, with no local team progressing past the last 16 of the Champions Cup this season.
“You need that [squad] depth. You can’t play every game, it’s impossible,” said Fourie, who is confident SA sides are closing the gap on the likes of European heavyweights six-time Champions Cup winners Toulouse, Leinster (four) and Saracens and Toulon (three apiece).
“That’s something South African teams had to learn. We’re starting to build squads like the French teams have.
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“I think the understanding of different conditions and players is key. That exposure makes you better.”
An influential voice in the Stormers dressing room, even when he is not playing, Fourie has fought his way back onto the park after a run of injuries which included a broken leg and a torn bicep.
Stormers director of rugby John Dobson praised Fourie’s selflessness after the 2023 World Cup hero withdrew from the matchday 23 ahead of the top-of-the-table URC clash against Glasgow Warriors last week.
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The versatile Fourie had felt that it would be a set piece-heavy encounter and that reserve hooker JJ Kotze was a better option to have on the bench.
Speaking on the podcast, Fourie explained: “If you’re not good enough this weekend and the other guy is, be the team man, support him and just try to be better.”
Fourie and flanker Paul de Villiers are both formidable for the Stormers when it comes to pilfering opposition ball but rather than feeling threatened, the former has embraced the competition.
“I don’t feel that pressure. I just enjoy it. That’s how I started loving rugby again when I came back [to the Stormers],” he explained.
Photo: Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images
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