Former Sharks coach John Plumtree is not convinced about Deon Fourie’s selection as Springbok replacement hooker for Saturday’s second Test against the All Blacks in Cape Town.
Apart from his initial seasons, the soon-to-be 40-year-old has largely featured as an openside flank throughout his lengthy career and earned a Bok recall after a standout performance for the Stormers in that position against the All Blacks earlier this month.
But his ability to cover hooker was famously called upon in the 2023 World Cup final against New Zealand. Fourie came off the bench after just three minutes to replace the injured Bongi Mbonambi, producing an outstanding performance at hooker and captaining the Boks during the closing stages of their 12-11 victory.
However, Plumtree believes the All Blacks could target Fourie’s throwing should he be called upon again at Cape Town Stadium.
“I don’t get it,” Plumtree said on the PlayZN TMO podcast. “[Malcolm] Marx could go down in the first five minutes, on Fourie comes.
“The All Blacks will probably put a little more pressure on his throwing, because he’ll probably hit the front of the lineout most of the time, so the All Blacks will put a pod there and get it up, forcing Fourie to throw deeper.”
MORE: Brannas ‘always’ on Rassie’s ICE list
While Plumtree questioned that selection, he had no doubts about another veteran Springbok who he believes will pose a major problem for the All Blacks – Ox Nché.
The powerful loosehead prop – who’ll be playing in his 50th Test – anchored the Bok scrum that dominated the Ellis Park clash up until the 55th minute.
“Ox is a big problem for the All Blacks,” Plumtree said. “[Tyrel] Lomax on the tighthead side, let’s face it, Ox basically killed him.”
PLUM: Boks’ rush defence now risky
With the scrum set to be another major battleground in what’s predicted to be a wet Cape Town, Plumtree believes New Zealand will devote considerable attention to finding a way to contain the Bok front-row weapon.
“He’s going to have to be looked after, so I expect the All Blacks to be doing a lot of scrummaging work this week, especially on the tighthead side, on how they’re going to keep Ox down,” he said.
“As soon as Ox comes up, his back straightens and he just smashes you. You’ve got to keep Ox bent and they’ll be working really hard to keep him as low to the ground as possible.”
Photo: Steve Haag Sports/Gallo Images
The post Plum questions Brannas’ bench inclusion appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Former Sharks coach John Plumtree is not convinced about Deon Fourie’s selection as Springbok replacement hooker for Saturday’s second Test against the All Blacks in Cape Town.
The post Plum questions Brannas’ bench inclusion appeared first on SA Rugby magazine. Read More
