‘Fresh’ Fouche ready to fizz

Stormers tighthead prop Neethling Fouche says a three-match ban enabled him to “freshen up a bit” ahead of the Vodacom URC playoffs.

The 32-year-old was harshly red-carded for what was deemed a dangerous tackle on Ulster centre Ben Carson at Kingspan Stadium in round 14 of the URC, and given a four-match ban.

The Stormers’ appeal was dismissed by a new disciplinary panel, although Fourie’s completion of World Rugby’s Coaching Intervention Programme saw his suspension reduced to three matches.

As a result, Fouche missed his side’s home bonus-point wins against Connacht, Benetton and the Dragons.

“I am a great believer that there is always some silver lining to every disappointment,” Fouche told the media on Tuesday ahead of his return against Cardiff at Cape Town Stadium on Friday night.

“It has been really disappointing sitting out these three games. When you are not playing you do feel more anxious. The last two that I was here to watch were OK because we won comfortably and there were no grey hairs but the first one against Connacht had me at home sitting with my pillow over my head, unable to look.

“Disappointment can quickly be turned around into a positive, and I got over the disappointment of being told I was suspended for three games by figuring out that it was a chance to get rid of a few niggles and to freshen up a bit. Fortunately there was no setback for the Stormers while I was out and we won all three games with bonus points, so looking back it has been good.

“The season started with the pre-season in early September and my minutes have been high. So I was able to say to myself, ‘OK, listen, maybe your body does need a rest’,” he added.

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The Stormers go into their last regular-season match looking to secure fifth place on the log, which could result in an away quarter-final against Glasgow if the defending champions lose to Leinster and slip to fourth.

Fouche said he would be up for the challenge against Cardiff despite not having played since March.

“When you’ve been away for a while you might sometimes lose speed of engagement but luckily I have good coaches helping me like Shimmie [Hanyani Shimange], Brokkie [Brok Harris] and Rito [Hlungwani] helping me.

“They have pushed me during my time in the NPS [non-playing squad] to keep my sharpness up. It might take a few scrums to get my feet again but I am sure it will go well.”

Fouche said he had been impressed by the performances of the props during his absence.

“The great thing for us at the Stormers is that there are always new guys coming through, and with Frans [Malherbe] also out it offered an opportunity to Sazi [Sandi], and I thought he did really well.

“Vernon [Matogo] also showed us what I have always thought of him [at loosehead], which is that he is going to be a big name loosehead in the future.

“And then there’s Ali Vermaak who has been playing for 43 years …” he joked.

Photo: Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images