Fourie looking forward to challenging Super 14

The 22-year-old made his debut at this level last year against the Crusaders and he admits it was rough. Next weekend – when the Stormers open their campaign against the Sharks at Newlands – Fourie again faces a tough challenge.

But the promising youngster is raring to go – even though he would have to deal with a front row comprising Springboks such as Tendai “Beast” Mtawarira, John Smit and Bismarck du Plessis. He relishes the opportunity.

“Every game is a challenge. And to play against those guys… you can only learn from the experience and grow as a player. So it would be nice to play against such big names.”

Fourie would probably act as Schalk Brits’ lieutenant during the Super 14 but the former boy from High School Pietersburg in Pretoria doesn’t mind too much. He rates the Springbok highly. “Schalk is a good player and I am glad to play under him and I am looking forward to it,” was his comment when asked about his partner.

Fourie, who also did excellent service for WP in the Currie Cup competition last season, said he was excited about this year’s Super 14. “I got a bit of game time last year in the Super 14. I was lucky because there were a few injuries, but I am excited about the prospect of playing right from the start. Hopefully I can play in all 13 this year.”

The Sharks game will be a big one and Fourie – a schoolboy flanker before switching to hooker in his matric year – said. “We feel better than last year. The match against the Sharks is going to be tough. Their team is loaded with Springboks. But hopefully we can walk away with a win.”

He said the squad has gelled much better as a team now, as last year there was a new coach, a new management team and everybody had to get used to one another. “Also the players had to get to know each other too and I think this year it will go better.”

The mobile hooker said his experience in the Currie Cup could stand him in good stand in the Super 14. “To play in the Currie Cup was a big experience. And there you learn to play against the big names and they take note of you too.”