Deon Fourie is on track to face the All Blacks for the Stormers after recovering from ligament damage sustained in the URC clash against Ulster, where Iain Henderson's croc-roll ended his comeback prematurely.
The 39-year-old has endured a brutal 28 months: an ACL injury, followed by an ankle problem on his return, then a serious bicep injury in his first game back from that. He managed six Stormers appearances before the Ulster incident required another operation. He is now approximately 10 to 11 weeks post-surgery and says his fitness assessment will be clearer by Friday.
"I am definitely raring to go, and it's a great opportunity," Fourie told reporters on Monday. "I was looking forward to this match since it was announced a year or two ago."
Fourie played 77 minutes of the 2023 Rugby World Cup final at hooker, filling in for the injured Bongi Mbonambi and producing a disciplined defensive shift despite carrying a shoulder injury throughout. He admits the occasion passed in a blur and is eager to revisit that experience, this time in Stormers colours.
"In 2023, when everything went past so quickly, you almost forget what it felt like, and to relive that feeling again will be nice."
Beyond the Stormers fixture, Fourie has not given up on a Springbok recall. "You always want to wear the green and gold jersey. I've enjoyed the rugby just before my last injury. Hopefully, I can put in a good performance and put my hand up for one or two more Tests."