A mainstay in the Stormers pack is reportedly unavailable for Saturday’s blockbuster URC North-South derby at Cape Town Stadium.

Netwerk24 reports that seasoned tighthead prop Neethling Fouche is suffering with concussion side effects which have ruled him out of the rescheduled round-one clash with the Vodacom Bulls.

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While the Stormers still have two-time world champion Frans Malherbe, Fouche’s absence would likely see Sazi Sandi promoted to the bench against a Bulls pack featuring Springbok props Wilco Louw and Gerhard Steenekamp, along with hookers Akker van der Merwe and Johan Grobbelaar.

A 2022 URC title-winner, Fouche has been a pillar in the Stormers scrum since joining in 2018, amassing nearly 90 caps. The 32-year-old recently signed a three-year extension, committing to the franchise until 2028. 

Known for his technical prowess and leadership, his absence would be a major blow in what is expected to be a decisive set-piece battle.

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