Springbok Deon Fourie has shared insights into his profound exhaustion following the intense World Cup final against the All Blacks last October.
Deon Fourie discussed the emotional rollercoaster accompanying South Africa’s narrow victory over the All Blacks in the 2023 Rugby World Cup final in Paris.
Originally named as a utility forward among the Springboks’ substitutes for the final, Fourie played a key role in executing South Africa’s 7-1 bench strategy against the All Blacks.
However, plans changed abruptly when hooker Bongi Mbonambi had to leave the field due to an injury, and Fourie was called into action in the third minute of the match.
Despite the sudden change and the immense pressure of the situation, Fourie delivered what could be considered the best performance of his short Test career, contributing significantly to South Africa securing a record fourth World Cup title. In a conversation on the Behind the Ruck podcast with former Boks Rudy Paige and Juan de Jongh, Fourie reflected on the game’s final moments and its hectic ending.
“The plan was for Bongi to play the full 80 minutes,” he explained. “But with our 7-1 split strategy, we always had one person ready just in case.
“Kwagga was prepared to play as scrumhalf and wing, covering all scenarios. I was supposed to remain on the bench unless needed.
“Then Mbonambi’s injury threw our plans off. Also, it was my first game against the All Blacks, my first time facing the haka, making it all the more memorable. The intensity was overwhelming.”
Fourie continued: “Those last five minutes were a mix of stress, fatigue, and pain… I had injured my shoulder in the semi-final against England.
“After the match, when I met my wife, there was no immediate celebration. I just leaned on her shoulder and said, ‘darling… I’m utterly spent.’ I was too exhausted to celebrate.”
