Dobbo confirms Stormers veteran Fourie out for ‘months’

Stormers coach John Dobson confirmed that veteran flanker Deon Fourie would be out for up to three months following the injury he sustained against Ulster.

Iain Henderson damaged Fourie’s knee last weekend with a croc roll clear-out, which saw him having to leave the field in a match drawn 38-38.

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Henderson initially received a yellow card, which was upgraded to a 20-minute red on bunker review. He was not named in the Ulster side to face Glasgow Warriors this weekend.

Speaking to reporters after naming his side to face Cardiff in their final league clash before the playoffs, Dobson said that Fourie had suffered a “grade two or three medial” injury.

“It’s a grade two or three medial, which is months. It’s not like an ACL and nine months, but it could be three months,” Dobson said.

There was slightly better news when it came to captain Ruhan Nel, who missed the Ulster clash. He was again not named in the Stormers side, but Dobson said he was around 90% fit, and they were ensuring he would be in peak condition for the playoffs.

“We hoped to have him ready for this game, but if it’s not 100%, if it goes again, he’s out for a long time. He’s probably at 90%.”

Our final @Vodacom #URC league game of the season will be in Cardiff on Friday night. #CARvSTO #inittogether pic.twitter.com/nbEwmYVim3

The Stormers have shuffled their backline for the clash, with Damian Willemse moving to fullback and Jonathan Roche starting at inside centre.

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Dobson said the decision to play Roche was about giving everyone a run-out before the playoffs, which includes Suleiman Hartzenberg at right wing, with Wandisile Simelane moving to outside centre.

“We think Johnny is special; he just needs a run. It’s our last opportunity before the playoffs to give Johnny a go,” Dobson said.

“We made a commitment to him weeks ago that he would play this game.

“And we want to give Suleiman another chance to see if that can be a solution for us on the wing.”