Springboks Told Why Deon Fourie’s Return Could Be Important Weapon Against All Blacks

• Former Bok captain Victor Matfield weighed in on Deon Fourie's recall to the Springbok squad ahead of the Rugby's Greatest Rivalry series
• Fourie, 39, earned his return after a standout Stormers display that included a try, 14 tackles and two turnovers against New Zealand
• Matfield also addressed the impact Fourie's presence at the Stormers has had on young breakdown specialist Paul de Villiers

Former Springbok captain Victor Matfield believes Deon Fourie's return to the national squad could hand coach Rassie Erasmus a significant option off the bench when the Springboks take on the All Blacks in the Rugby's Greatest Rivalry series.

Fourie received his recall on Monday following a commanding performance for the Stormers against New Zealand in Cape Town the week prior, in which the veteran scored a try, made 14 tackles and won two turnovers, even as his side lost the match. It was enough to convince selectors that the 39-year-old still belongs at international level, six months after last featuring for the Boks.

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Fourie's World Cup final legacy

His most recent Springbok appearance came during the 2023 Rugby World Cup final, where the 13-cap forward was introduced from the bench at hooker and ended up playing more than 70 minutes of the match.

"He was outstanding in the World Cup final, coming on and playing hooker for 70-odd minutes," Matfield said on the Rugby Rivals podcast.

"He's just a guy who leads from the front. Especially with a guy like Kwagga Smith not being there at the moment, he might just play a role off the bench."

Matfield added that Fourie's all-round performance in Cape Town more than justified the selection decision.

"He's been out for six months, and he's 39 years old, turning 40 one of these days. I mean, that performance earned him a call-up."

Fourie's influence on Paul de Villiers

Beyond his own playing value, Matfield highlighted Fourie's considerable influence on Stormers teammate Paul de Villiers, a younger breakdown specialist who has emerged as one of the more impressive fetchers in South African rugby.

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"Paul de Villiers, who has done so well, has learned from him. I mean, he's had to keep Paul out of the [Stormers] team for the last three years," Matfield said, comparing Fourie's style over the ball to that of former Springbok openside Heinrich Brüssow.

With Fourie back in contention at Test level, De Villiers may now find himself competing with the man who shaped much of his development for a spot in the matchday 23.

"Now that Deon is ready, Paul may need to move to the bench. They're two outstanding fetchers, and I think Deon's impact on Paul's development has also been huge," Matfield said.

Fourie's versatility, capable of operating effectively at both hooker and openside flanker, has long made him a unique asset within South African rugby structures.

Source: Briefly News