Tighthead prop Neethling Fouche’s inclusion in the first Springbok alignment camp of 2024 is reward for his dedication and supportive role at the DHL Stormers, writes MARK KEOHANE.
He is one of a quintet of Stormers among the 16 uncapped players on the 43-strong list that will be attending the two-day Bok strategic gathering in Cape Town in the first week of March.
Writing for TimesLIVE, Keohane emphasises Fouche’s work ethic, always putting the team first, and his popularity among teammates.
He acknowledges that despite often playing off the bench behind Stormers anchor Frans Malherbe, Fouche benefited from scrumming against former skipper Steven Kitshoff, another Bok double world champion, at training.
Keohane appreciates Fouche’s decision to stay with the Stormers rather than seeking financial incentives abroad, and finds the 31-year-old‘s positive attitude towards being a back-up player powerful,.
KEO: Dobson’s Stormers deserve SA’s applause
He also argues that Fouche’s impressive endurance and game time this season for the Stormers would make him a valuable asset for the Boks.
“Patience is a virtue and Fouche’s story of selection for Rassie Erasmus’s first Springboks alignment camp of 2024 is special and a lesson to any aspiring young player who bolts overseas if not picked for the national team a few years into his professional career,” Keohane writes.
“Fouche’s situation at the Stormers, you could argue, is as much a curse as it is a blessing. With Malherbe the scrum anchor in the No 3 jersey, Fouche was always going to be the second cab off the rank.
“Fouche, whilst not top of mind with Malherbe around, was always prepared to be the support that gave substance to the prop structures.
“There was never a hint of jealousy of envy. It was as if he always believed his time would come and this season it has indeed been the case.”
Photo: Shaun Roy/BackpagePix
The post Fouche playing behind Frans a ‘blessing’ appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Src: sarugbymag.co.za
