Tag: Western Province

‹ Back

Deon Fourie comes full circle as Stormers hand ‘The Chef’ his chance

Adnaan MohamedNews, RugbyLeave a Comment on Deon Fourie comes full circle as Stormers hand ‘The Chef’ his chance
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.

Stormers’ War Dog ready to bite bigger

Adnaan MohamedFeatures, News, RugbyLeave a Comment on Stormers’ War Dog ready to bite bigger
By Adnaan Mohamed

Every rugby team has a heartbeat. Some have a battering ram. The DHL Stormers may have found both wrapped into one compact, relentless hooker who happily answers to one unforgettable nickname. Meet Vernon Paulo. “War Dog.”

It is a label that refuses to loosen its grip, following the 25-year-old from Oakdale, through Bloemfontein, and now into the blue jersey he dreamed of wearing as a boy growing up in Riversdale.

The nickname sounds fierce enough to fill a front row on reputation alone. Paulo smiles at the story behind it.

“I think it comes more from the mobility on the field, actually being always available on attacking options or even on defence. So that’s actually basically where it started. I’m a running dog on the field, then I think that’s where it benefits my game as a player.”

The explanation says as much about his personality as his rugby. Paulo is less interested in barking than chasing. Like a distance runner refusing to see the finish line, he keeps circling back into the contest, hunting carries, tackles and support lines with tireless appetite.

That engine has already begun paying dividends.

Having joined the Stormers earlier this year after making his name with the Toyota Cheetahs, Paulo announced himself with a try on his Stormers XXIII Currie Cup debut against defending champions Griquas at DHL Stadium.

The score grabbed headlines. His mindset deserves equal attention.

“I think it was a lot of excitement being here. Playing rugby here is a massive privilege. You want to make the jersey proud and make the players, team and coaches proud around you. You focus on your job and being good in what you have to do.”

There is no chest-thumping. No grand declarations. The War Dog motif is carried with quiet purpose rather than theatrical growling.

His greatest dream has already become reality.

“As a small boy, if you stay in the Western Cape, it’s a dream to play for the Stormers. Most of my childhood role models came out of the Stormers team. When I got the call, it was like a dream come true. Now I’m living that dream and I have to make the best of it.”

Stormers assistant coach Helmut Lehmann believes Paulo belongs in a forward pack discovering its own identity.

Stormers XXIII assistant coach Helmut Lehmann Photo: Stormers.com

“The last four, five, six weeks we’ve really improved a lot. Most importantly it’s getting everybody aligned with the Stormers way.”

Lehmann also praised the group’s resilience after surviving an error-filled opening victory.

“There was a lot of fight, a lot of character from the guys.”

That fighting spirit mirrors Paulo’s own rugby DNA.

He knows tougher examinations await, beginning with a hostile trip to Boland on Sunday where packed stands in Wellington often roar like a restless ocean crashing against the touchline.

“We know there will be noise, we know there will be pressure, but it’s more about us focusing on our process and what we want to deliver.”

The War Dog understands something every great hooker eventually learns.

Nicknames may win smiles.

Consistency earns selection.

“If the call comes, I’ll be ready, but for now this moment is to serve the team where I’m at.”

For Vernon Paulo, serving the team has become the loudest growl of all.

IMAGES: X.COM/STORMERS