Stormers loose forward Deon Fourie. Photo: Ryan Wilkisky / BackpagePix.

Stormers loose forward Deon Fourie. Photo: Ryan Wilkisky / BackpagePix.

URC: Fourie fired up for one ‘final’ challenge

Stormers big man Deon Fourie is ready to rumble in the URC Grand Final against Munster this Saturday.

Stormers loose forward Deon Fourie. Photo: Ryan Wilkisky / BackpagePix.

Stormers loose forward Deon Fourie. Photo: Ryan Wilkisky / BackpagePix.

Deon Fourie is someone who relishes a challenge and they don’t come much bigger than a Vodacom United Rugby Championship Grand Final against Munster.

Having missed the semifinal win against Connacht with a hamstring injury, the robust openside flanker is set to return with renewed hunger and tenacity to compete in the decider at the Cape Town Stadium on Saturday.

Fourie is a steel beam reinforcing the Stormers breakdown, his relentless poaching and commitment to disrupting momentum make him an invaluable asset in the defending champions’ quest for victory.

The 36-year-old was part of the team that won the inaugural Vodacom URC, and capped off a spectacular campaign with a Vodacom Man of the Match performance against the Vodacom Bulls in Cape Town.

FOURIE TO NULLIFY MUNSTER’S BREAKDOWN THREAT

Acknowledging Munster’s formidable reputation, Fourie is excited to test himself against a quality side that has consistently delivered exceptional performances throughout 2022/23.

Having missed the Stormers’ two previous defeats against Munster, this week’s duel will be a significant moment for the veteran loose forward as he seeks to leave his mark against formidable opponents.

“I missed out on Munster this year, and last year I missed a game when we played them over at Thomond Park after I broke my cheekbone,” he said. “So I haven’t played Munster in my career yet, and definitely looking forward to testing myself against a quality side like them.

“I think their record speaks for itself, especially this year, so it’ll be interesting.”

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UP FOR HEAD TO HEAD DUEL WITH O’MAHONY

A key one-on-one battle to watch on Saturday is Fourie’s likely face-off against Munster captain and seasoned Ireland international, Peter O’Mahony.

“Peter O’Mahony is a fantastic player, he has been playing for Ireland for a long time, he is amazing,” Fourie said.

“I don’t really see him as an out-and-out fetcher; a guy like Jack Morgan from last year, he was quite good, I think he won the [Vodacom URC] award for the most turnovers last year.

“But, O’Mahony, he’s just a nuisance at every ruck and sometimes he’ll get that poach, but he’s always just there and in your face and disrupting rucks. So that’ll be a nice challenge, trying to contain him.”

FOURIE PREPARED FOR FIRST-EVER SHOWDOWN WITH RG SNYMAN

Furthermore, towering lock RG Snyman presents a familiar foe for the Stormers. A World Cup-winning Springbok, Snyman’s physicality and all-round skills pose a threat that Fourie is eager to neutralise.

“I’m not sure I’ve ever played against RG … he’s a massive human being and his offload and running game is outstanding.

“For us to stop that will be a challenge. What he brings to that Munster side is an element of unpredictability.”

ALSO READ: It’s Fourie vs Van Staden in audition for Kolisi’s Test jersey

STORMERS VS MUNSTER URC FINAL INFOGRAPHIC

Deon Fourie to feature in Stormers vs Munster in URC Grand Final match info Photo Supplied .jpeg
Stormers vs Munster URC Grand Final match info. Photo: Supplied.