Coetzee: ‘Deon is No 1′
8 Jun 2011
Allister Coetzee tells JON CARDINELLI why Deon Fourie has earned the right to start against the Bulls in what will be a season-defining match on Saturday.
Tiaan Liebenberg’s powerful scrummaging, pinpoint lineout throws and robust ball-carrying made him one of the heroes of the Stormers’ 2010 campaign. When Liebenberg was sidelined with a serious knee injury in the 2011 pre-season, it was feared that Fourie would battle to fill the void and the Stormers would suffer as a result.
The fears were certainly justified during the initial stages of the Super Rugby competition when Fourie’s wayward lineout feeds compromised the Stormers’ best attacking platform. He still managed to contribute with some ground-gaining and at times galvanising ball-in-hand displays, but it was some time before he found his radar at the lineout.
While gradual, his improvement in this area has seen him solidify his spot in the run-on side. Even though Liebenberg is fit and ready for action in an important, set-piece oriented clash, Fourie is being favoured.
‘Deon started at Loftus and starred in those two big wins over the Sharks,’ Coetzee told keo.co.za. ‘He’s our No 1 hooker, so it’s an easy decision to pick him to start against the Bulls.
‘It’s great to have two hookers like Deon and Tiaan available. I’m sure Tiaan will have a terrific impact when he comes on in the second half, but I can’t justify starting him ahead of Deon at the moment.’
On the topic of the lineout, Coetzee spoke at length about the effort of the collective as opposed to the brilliance of individuals. The Stormers boast one of the best lineout exponents in Andries Bekker while the Bulls have Springbok legend Victor Matfield in their side, but Coetzee feels the team that performs as a unit will emerge victorious.
The Stormers have come a long way since they last met the Bulls at Loftus Versfeld. They managed to beat the Bulls on that occasion, but the lineout was one of the few areas where they were outplayed by the opposition. They’ve improved their accuracy since that clash, but will still be under pressure to get the best of Matfield and company.
Coetzee has also opted for a 5/2 split on the bench in anticipation of a massive forward onslaught. Two young props in Frans Malherbe and Stephen Kitshoff are being backed to do the business against one of the most physical teams in the tournament.
‘I have full confidence in their abilities,’ said the Stormers’ coach. ‘Sometimes you have to blood youngsters in a situation where it can make or break them. In that respect, these two have done well, especially a guy like Stephen. It’s been great to watch him come through.
‘We’ve picked five forwards on the bench because we know what to expect from the Bulls,’ Coetzee added. ‘You need to match their intensity for the full 80 minutes, and so it’s great to know we have these two fine young props, as well as a few other players like Nick Koster who can keep the momentum going in the second half.’
14 Comments
8 Jun 2011, 15:45 pm
he has been brilliant….
8 Jun 2011, 16:15 pm
Would personally have gone with Tiaan, but Deon won’t let the side down
8 Jun 2011, 16:20 pm
@grant10(grant10)-1: been good in open play, but his bread and butter skills need sharpening up. Vic won’t be complaining that he’s playing. Makes Vic’s homework that much easier.
I suppose it, in a way, signals the stormers’ intent for the weekend.
8 Jun 2011, 17:52 pm
@pompies2(pompies2)-3: I agree. I’m very concerned about his throw-ins. Matfield will enjoy this one. Bekker should keep it simple initially to let Fourie settle first. I suppose AC wants to speed up the game from the word go. Maybe he is also saving Tiaan to assist the young props when they get their opportunity later on in the match. Hopefully these guys will stay around for a long time. With JC Kritzinger (still injured) the depth at prop is great. CJ has been a disappointment though.
8 Jun 2011, 19:39 pm
Oh fark. This Breezer hyperbole on Keo is now becoming pathetic.
Aren’t proper Stormer supporters embarrassed by this partizan propaganda rating of players…
No. 1 here… no. 1 there…
Knick knack paddywhack give the hounds a bone….
Farking ridiculous now.
For heavens sake, Bulls… do all proper rugger supporters a favour and give these twats a snotklap beyond belief on their own home turf
8 Jun 2011, 20:24 pm
So it’s a mind game by Rassie?!
The idea is to get the Bulls starting with Chilibooi, with Liebenberg starting that was not going to happened
With Fourie the Stormers have less of a thrust at the scrum but will gain a complete dominance elsewhere.
9 Jun 2011, 00:50 am
@grant10(grant10)-1:
Yes, throwing in skew at the lineout and weakening the scrum is certainly brilliant. Deon Fourie = another Brits clone. The WORST type of hooker.
How one could leave Tiaan out, especially against the Bulls is idiotic.
9 Jun 2011, 03:37 am
@Heavens Game(Heavens Game)-5: Your “breezer” rants are the only thing becoming rather pathetic.
Give the team it’s due. While they are at the top of the log, they can get away with any amount of media coverage. It would suck to be you if the outcome of the match is the reverse of what you have so fervently requested.
9 Jun 2011, 05:07 am
@Heavens Game(Heavens Game)-5:
Oi dude, don’t lump every Stormers supporter in the same basket, there are a load of us that don’t go round having a go at the Bulls and Sharks, in fact support them when they arn’t playing the Stormers.
Who are the “proper rugger supporters” ? Get a grip and don’t become what you dispise………
9 Jun 2011, 06:28 am
@whatever(whatever)-9: Where is the ‘like’ button?
9 Jun 2011, 06:38 am
@whatever(whatever)-9:
what’s wrong with AC saying Deon is the #1 hooker in the team? Some people just like throwing a tantrum because they can, ay? I think it’s funny actualy. 
9 Jun 2011, 06:47 am
Kitshoff impressed me in his last appearance as well. two silly penalties in the opening moments aside he showed a great attitude. This kid could well be the next front row superstar – its not easy to miss him.
9 Jun 2011, 07:04 am
@grant10(grant10)-1: Do you think that he is better than John Smit?
9 Jun 2011, 07:06 am
@stormer in a teacup(stormer in a teacup)-12: Coenie might have something to say about that.
Seriously tho, isn’t it astounding how young they picking ‘em nowadays? Everytime they show Lambie lining up a kick, I’ve got to smile mate. He looks like he should still be knocking on my door with his bob-a-job fundraiser card towards the Year 10′s end of year camp. 
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