sportskeeda
Springbok head coach Rassie Erasmus has named veteran utility forward Deon Fourie in the national squad for the upcoming Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series, marking his comeback after a lengthy injury recovery.
The 39-year-old Fourie, known for his ability to play both as a loose forward and hooker, is set to arrive in Johannesburg on Tuesday morning to join the team.
His latest Test appearance for the Springboks was in the 2023 Rugby World Cup final against New Zealand at Stade de France in Paris.
Fourie made a significant contribution in the 2023 RWC Final, playing 77 minutes as hooker after Bongi Mbonambi suffered an early knee injury.
He made a triumphant return to elite rugby during the DHL Stormers’ first match against the All Blacks in Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry last Friday night.
As a Rugby World Cup champion, Fourie will bring essential experience to Erasmus’ strong forward lineup in this historic series, kicking off at 10bet Ellis Park in Johannesburg on Saturday, 22 August.
This match will be the first of four Tests in the inaugural series. The Springboks and All Blacks are scheduled to meet again at DHL Stadium in Cape Town on 29 August, FNB Stadium in Johannesburg on 5 September, and M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore on 12 September.
The Springboks returned to South Africa from Argentina in two groups over Sunday and Monday, with the last group expected to arrive in Johannesburg on Tuesday.
