“Don’t Blame Vernon” – Fourie Fires Back At Critics After Stormers Lineout Nightmare
Stormers veteran Deon Fourie has backed 25-year-old hooker Vernon Paulo to bounce back from a difficult lineout outing against Edinburgh, insisting the youngster cannot be held solely responsible ahead of their South African derby against the Sharks.
The Stormers endured a challenging night last Friday, losing a staggering 11 lineouts as the set-piece failed to provide the platform they would have wanted. However, Fourie believes the issue should be viewed as a collective one rather than singling out Paulo.
“I think it’s a bit harsh of the public and all the media outlets just to point fingers at Vernon,” Fourie said.
“I think it’s a collective issue. The conditions weren’t the best as well, so we need to look at the collective of everyone’s job in a lineout.
“It’s not just Vernon that throws it in. It’s lifting, it’s making the right calls as well. So everything plays a part,” Fourie explained.
Fourie said the Stormers would review their performance and identify areas for improvement while ensuring Paulo receives the necessary support after a difficult outing.
“We’ll definitely support him,” he said.
“I think it’s tough. I’ve been there throughout my career, when stuff doesn’t go your way in a game, and you feel a bit down and feel like you’ve let the team down, but that’s absolutely not the case.
“It’s, like I said, a collective thing,” he reiterated.
Fourie could also potentially have a role to play at hooker himself, having featured in the position for the Springboks during their recent Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry campaign.
However, with the Stormers boasting several options at loose forward, including Siya Kolisi and Paul de Villiers, Fourie is more than happy to leave the selection dilemma to the coaching staff.
“I’m very glad I’m not part of the coaching team,” Fourie said when asked whether he was ready to give up his No. 6 jersey and return to hooker.
“I don’t know how they’re going to select a team because there are quite a few guys that play as well.
“Wherever the team needs me, whether it’s a gap to fill, I’ll play hooker, flank or tighthead prop.”
With the players who were away on European tour duty only returning to Stormers training on Tuesday, the coaching staff will first assess the condition of the squad before making their selection decisions.
“The guys that were on tour were off on Monday, so everyone’s coming back on Tuesday, and then we’ll assess how everyone’s feeling,” Fourie said.
Ultimately, he believes the decision on where he features will rest with the coaches.
“It’s up to the coaches to make that tough decision.”
