A mainstay in the Stormers pack is reportedly unavailable for Saturday’s blockbuster North-South derby at Cape Town Stadium in the Vodacom URC.
Netwerk24 reports that seasoned tighthead prop Neethling Fouche is suffering with concussion that will rule him out of the rescheduled round-one clash with the Vodacom Bulls.
MORE: Wilco is URC’s ‘best scrummager’ – Sithole
While the Stormers still have two-time world champion Frans Malherbe, Fouche’s absence would likely see Sazi Sandi promoted to the bench against a Bulls pack featuring Springbok props Wilco Louw and Gerhard Steenekamp, along with hookers Akker van der Merwe and Johan Grobbelaar.
A 2022 URC title-winner, Fouche has been a pillar of the Stormers scrum since joining in 2018, amassing nearly 90 caps. The 32-year-old recently signed a three-year extension, committing to the franchise until 2028.
Known for his technical prowess and leadership, his absence would be a major blow in a set-piece battle expected to be crucial.
Photo: Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images
