{
  "id": 5032695,
  "title": "Bok scrum coach backs almost-40 Deon Fourie as one of SA’s best scrummagers",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/02/bok-scrum-coach-backs-almost-40-deon-fourie-as-one-of-sas-best",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-02T06:33:19.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Citizen",
    "slug": "the-citizen",
    "url": "https://www.citizen.co.za/sport/rugby/coach-deon-fourie-one-south-africa-best-scrummagers/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "As South Africa prepares for their third Test against the All Blacks in Soweto on Saturday, Bok scrum coach Daan Human has praised the nearly 40-year-old Deon Fourie as one of the country's top scrummagers. Fourie, who turns 40 later this month, was called up to the Springbok squad shortly before the series to provide depth and experience at hooker, with several other players injured, rested or not performing well enough to earn a spot. Head coach Rassie Erasmus revealed that Fourie was favored to start ahead of World Rugby Player of the Year Malcolm Marx, before being substituted after 35 minutes. Despite missing a throw and a tackle, Human believes that Fourie's experience, versatility, and leadership make him one of South Africa's strongest scrummagers.",
  "summary": "The oldest-ever Springbok is proving more than just a stand-in in the set-piece, said Daan Human.",
  "key_points": [
    "Daan Human praises Deon Fourie as one of SA's best scrummagers",
    "Fourie, nearly 40, called up for Springbok depth and experience",
    "Human favors Fourie to start ahead of Malcolm Marx"
  ],
  "editors_take": "Deon Fourie's experience and leadership have earned him recognition as one of South Africa's top scrummagers, potentially giving him an edge over younger players like World Rugby Player of the Year Malcolm Marx.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}