'He is absolutely superb': Dobson on evergreen Fourie

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Stormers loose forward Deon Fourie is slowly but surely booking his spot in the Springboks' 2023 World Cup squad.

The 36-year-old, who shows no signs of slowing down, captained the Stormers to a 23-19 win over the Bulls at Loftus Versfeld.

Fourie delivered an incredible performance, which saw him named the Player of the match in his side's fifth consecutive win over their nemesis.

He led from the front with his signature steals at the breakdown and also prevented Cornal Hendricks from racing over for a try in the first half.

Last year, Fourie became the oldest player to make a Springbok debut at the age of 35 and could again put on the Green and Gold for his first World Cup in France later this year.

When asked what keeps him motivated and still delivering man-of-the-match performances, the stand-in captain said: “The environment in the squad at the moment is what drives me.

"What the guys do in training and what they put in on the field helps you.

“I think it comes easier when the guys around you do their part as well.”

Fourie revealed there were some debates around his technique at the breakdown ahead of the North-South derby.

"There were a few question marks in the week on my stealing from the Bulls' side so I knew I had to be squeaky clean and on the right side of that line," Fourie said.

"But I guess that just comes with experience.

"Over the 16-17 years of my career, you figure out how to read the situation. It's all about the situation to see when it's on and when to attempt a ruck turnover.

"I don't know why but I just see the opportunity develop and try to go for the ball.”

Stormers coach John Dobson was full of praise in his comments regarding the evergreen Fourie.

“He is absolutely superb. In my mind, one of the best openside flanks in World Rugby when it comes to stealing the balls," Dobson said.

“He is a great leader and a great guy. I’m just worried the World Cup would be the natural ending point. However, we have signed him for another few years – he is not going anywhere.”

Another player that will want to deliver an incredible season is Herschel Jantjies.

The Springbok No.9 has been struggling with his form. However, Dobson admitted the World Cup winner is gradually returning to his old self.

“He [Jantjies] is playing much better, which is great," Dobson said.

“He is like a Damian Willemse type of presence; competitive but funny, professional, a leader and is really growing up in front of my eyes."