Deon Fourie backs Stormers hooker after Edinburgh lineout catastrophe

The Stormers lost 17-13 at Hive Stadium in their second United Rugby Championship match of the season, with their lineout proving a major weakness in difficult conditions.

They lost 11 of their own throws, including one in stoppage time while chasing a second victory on their northern-hemisphere tour.

The situation was made more difficult when starting hooker Andre-Hugo Venter was forced off for a head injury assessment in the 22nd minute and did not return. Paulo was brought on in his place but struggled with his throwing as the Stormers' problems mounted.

Director of rugby John Dobson acknowledged afterwards that the lineout had to improve ahead of Saturday's coastal derby against the Sharks.

Fourie, however, believes it would be unfair to place the responsibility solely on Paulo, pointing to the number of factors that determine whether a lineout succeeds.

"I think he must go and look at the whole system, at the plan. I think it's a bit harsh on the public out there and all the media outlets just to point fingers just at Vernon. I think it's a collective issue," Fourie said.

"The conditions weren't the best as well. So I think just go and look at the collective thing of everyone's job in a lineout. It's not just Vernon or the hooker that throws in.

"It's lifting, it's making the right calls as well. So everything plays a part. So I think we'll do a review on that and then see where we can be better."

Fourie also offered his support to Paulo, explaining that he understands the feeling of believing a poor performance has let the team down.

"I'll definitely support him," he said.

"I think I've been there through my career. Stuff that doesn't go your way in a game and you feel a bit down, and feeling that you let the team down. But that's absolutely not the case. Like I said, it's a collective thing."

The 40-year-old brings considerable experience to the position, having started at hooker for the Springboks against the All Blacks in Cape Town in August before returning to the national squad following an outstanding performance at openside flank.

With the Stormers now preparing to face the Sharks, Fourie's versatility could also provide Dobson with another option as the Cape side looks to quickly address its lineout shortcomings.

READ MORE: All Blacks behemoth Scott Barrett heaps praise on Springbok set-piece