Adnaan Mohamed
Deon Fourie’s return for the Stormers against the All Blacks on Friday carries a remarkable sense of rugby symmetry.
The veteran loose forward’s previous appearance against New Zealand came in the Springboks’ dramatic 12-11 Rugby World Cup final victory in Paris in 2023. His comeback now arrives as the Stormers prepare to face the All Blacks for the first time since Western Province’s famous 12-11 victory at Newlands in 1976.
The scoreline is impossible to ignore.
For Fourie, it is another meeting with rugby’s oldest measuring stick. For the Stormers, it is an opportunity to reconnect with one of the Cape’s great rugby memories.
The 39-year-old has been sidelined since May after suffering a knee injury from a croc-roll by Ulster lock Iain Henderson in a URC clash. More than 10 weeks after surgery, he says he is ready.
“It’s about 10 or 11 weeks after the operation. Fitness-wise, I’ll probably only be able to tell you on Friday,” Fourie said.
“I am definitely raring to go, and it’s a great opportunity. I was looking forward to this match since it was announced a year or two ago.”
Few players understand the occasion better.
Fourie spent 77 minutes at hooker after replacing the injured Bongi Mbonambi early in the 2023 World Cup final. Playing through a shoulder injury, he made 21 tackles, captained the Springboks during the closing stages after Siya Kolisi’s yellow card and helped preserve South Africa’s one-point victory.
He admits another chance to face the haka seemed unlikely.
“I didn’t know if I would still be able to play this year, but fortunately everything went well, and I will get an opportunity to face the haka again.”
The veteran has not given up on adding to his Springbok career either.
“You always want to wear the green and gold jersey. Hopefully, I can put in a good performance and put my hand up for one or two more Tests.”
While Fourie represents experience, the Stormers are also preparing to unveil one of South African rugby’s brightest young talents.
Highly rated 20-year-old Junior Springbok flyhalf Yaqeen Ahmed is expected to make his senior Stormers debut.
Nicknamed “The Chef” for his ability to cook up attacking opportunities, Ahmed has earned a reputation as one of the country’s most gifted young playmakers. He is expected to partner 22-year-old scrumhalf Imad Khan in a youthful halfback combination against the world’s second-ranked side.
The opportunity has come with several experienced playmakers unavailable.
Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu is expected to rejoin the Springboks for Saturday’s Rugby Championship Test against Argentina, while Jurie Matthee continues his recovery from injury.
It leaves Ahmed with one of the toughest introductions in world rugby.
Friday’s clash therefore becomes a meeting of generations.
One player is approaching his 40th birthday and chasing another opportunity in green and gold. The other is taking his first steps at senior provincial level.
One carries the scars of rugby’s biggest battles.
The other carries the promise of many still to come.
Against the All Blacks, there is rarely a gentle beginning or a sentimental ending. There is only the next chapter.
