John Dobson said that Deon Fourie has a “50-50 chance” of playing in Saturday’s semi-final against Connacht as the DHL Stormers flank continues to battle with a hamstring strain.
Fourie played 42 minutes in his comeback from an orbital bone fracture in the quarter-final against the Vodacom Bulls, before leaving the field and clutching his hamstring.
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In the aftermath, the Stormers were confident that, if given the full week to recover, Fourie would be fit to start in the semi-final against Connacht in Cape Town on Saturday afternoon.
However, on Wednesday, Stormers head coach Dobson added an asterisk to Fourie’s status and confirmed that a call would only be made on the eve of the semi-final.
“Deon is probably 50-50 at best. We will make a call after the captain’s run on Friday,” said Dobson during a press conference in Stellenbosch on Wednesday.
“It’s a tough one for us, because there is no tomorrow with it being a semi-final and everything, but there is also a consequence to his aspirations this year. That’s where our mind is.
“There is no pressure on him. If we get to Friday and he wants to play, then that’s lekker. We haven’t ruled him out yet.”
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Dobson did not rule out the possibility of including Fourie on the bench, saying that it is one of three options on the table for the Stormers.
The risk of Fourie doing further damage to his hamstring is increased by the state of the pitch at Cape Town Stadium, which assistant coach Dawie Snyman earlier this week admitted was on its “last legs”.
Dobson said that while they are used to the easy-tear surface, it would still present a challenge for the Stormers on Saturday.
“Connacht play in the most remarkable weather, but they have a 4G pitch. I suppose with our rugby, we would like to be playing at a Loftus or something, especially with our front row. There is also a massive southeaster expected. The pitch isn’t built to take rain and two captain’s runs. It is going to be a challenge.
“The one thing in our favour is that we are used to it. It was quite radical on Saturday, when you watched the maul both ways. It’s a bit like a 4G, in that whichever pack gets dominance, it’s difficult for the other to get back in the fight.”
Photo: EJ Langner/Gallo Images