Unsung hero Deon Fourie claws his way to Springbok shot: 'He deserves this opportunity'

Over the course of the United Rugby Championship season, the Stormers have become one of the most devastating counter-attacking teams in the competition. 

They have scored some brilliant tries along the way, displaying an ability to launch from anywhere on the field. 

In that regard, much of the attention has centred around the expressive, expansive backline where Manie Libbok, Damian Willemse, Warrick Gelant and Leolin Zas have shone. 

The work done by the forwards has certainly been appreciated, but it perhaps hasn't been given the media attention of those pulling the strings and making the plays in the backline. 

One of those unsung Stormers heroes in the pack who has been hugely instrumental in providing that platform is 35-year-old Deon Fourie.

A hooker by trade who has played the bulk of his professional rugby in France, Fourie joined the Stormers ahead of the current URC season and has been a revelation. 

With his bulldog mentality, tireless energy and ability to steal and secure ball on the ground, Fourie has quickly become one of the key players in coach John Dobson's machine. 

An already superb campaign for the No 6 reached another level on Saturday night when, after a thrilling 17-15 semi-final win against Ulster at Cape Town Stadium, he was named in a 43-man Springbok squad for the upcoming international season.

National coach Jacques Nienaber and director of rugby Rassie Erasmus are sometimes viewed as too rigid in their selections, but this time around, they have rewarded domestic form, and Fourie is one of those who has used the URC to force his way in. 

"Deon was busy getting stitches when Dobbo [Dobson] mentioned it [his call-up] in our team meeting after the game," Stormers captain Steven Kitshoff revealed on