Springbok and Lions centre Jaque Fourie is set to make his comeback after a stomach injury when the Lions meet the Blue Bulls at Loftus Versfeld in a Vodacom Cup quarterfinal next weekend.
The South African Rugby Union has given its blessing for Fourie to take part in the Vodacom play-offs. The Bok midfielder hasn’t played any rugby this year and is reaching full fitness.
Lions coach Hugo van As has requested that Fourie join the Super 14 team in Australia, but it doesn’t make sense throwing the centre in at the deep end. Fourie said on Tuesday that he would rather play two or three Vodacom Cup matches and be ready to play Super 14 when the Lions return from Australia.
”The rest has done wonders for my rugby appetite and body and I can’t wait to get back on to the field,” he said. ”I don’t know what Van As’s plans are, if he wants me to start or play off the bench.”
A fully fit Fourie can boost the Lions’ Vodacom Cup chances. When fit, he is one of the best centres in the world and the timing is perfect to get him match-fit not only for the tail of the Super 14, but also for national duty in time for the incoming tours. — Sapa