Fourie misses out on URC semi, but Brits would have the 'hard bugger' in Boks' RWC squad

Depending on what happens in his team’s United Rugby Championship (URC) semi-final against Connacht, the season could potentially be over for Stormers veteran Deon Fourie.

Fourie was ruled out of Saturday’s last-four clash due to a hamstring injury suffered in the previous knockout round against the Bulls at Cape Town Stadium last week.

The severity of the flanker’s injury is also unknown and chances are, should the Stormers progress into the 27 May final, Fourie will fight to make the team, although the injury doubts may linger.

READ | Stormers forced to test depth in URC semi as Fourie and Orie injury fears come to pass

Regardless, former Stormers and Springboks hooker Schalk Brits says he would have the breakdown nuisance in his Springbok World Cup team for France later this year.

"On performance alone, he has a good chance of making the Springbok World Cup team," Brits told News24.

"As you can see on the pitch, the way he closes space down, he runs well with the ball, makes good options and decisions on the floor. He’s one hard bugger to get off the ball and there are so many dimensions to his game.

"I’d definitely take him with. This is biased coming from me, but in a World Cup squad, you need the best players and take the best players for your squad as well.

"Not everyone plays every weekend. You need a guy that will sacrifice himself for the team but still be able to perform at a very high level when called upon."

Fourie made his Bok debut in the Wales series in Bloemfontein and went on to make five Test appearances, all as an impact sub. Although playing restricted minutes, the former Lyon and Grenoble player didn't look out of place on the international scene.

Fourie is the player the Stormers have battled without the