World Cup Hero Returns: Erasmus Hands 39-Year-Old Veteran Shock
Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus has called up veteran utility forward Deon Fourie to the national squad for the forthcoming Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series, following his return from a lengthy spell on the sidelines due to injury.
The 39-year-old Fourie, who can play as both a loose forward and hooker, will join the squad in Johannesburg on Tuesday morning.
His last Test for the Springboks came in the 2023 Rugby World Cup final against New Zealand at the Stade de France in Paris.
Fourie significantly contributed to the 2023 RWC Final, where he played 77 minutes at hooker following Bongi Mbonambi’s early knee injury.
He made a welcome return to top-level rugby in the DHL Stormers’ Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry opener against the All Blacks on Friday night.
The Rugby World Cup winner will bring invaluable experience to Erasmus’ strong group of forwards for the historic series, which kicks off at 10bet Ellis Park in Johannesburg on Saturday, 22 August.
The match will be the first of four Tests between the teams in the inaugural series. The Springboks and All Blacks will also meet 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 travelled back to South Africa from Argentina in two groups on Sunday and Monday, with the final group scheduled to arrive in Johannesburg on Tuesday.
