The ever-charismatic Rassie. Image: Planet Rugby
Springboks coach Rassie Erasmus gives forgotten star a lifeline
An exciting addition.
The ever-charismatic Rassie. Image: Planet Rugby
Springboks head coach Rassie Erasmus is considering a recall for Sharks outside back Aphelele Fassi.
Rassie Erasmus springs surprises for the Springboks
Fullback Fassi has been in sparkling form for the Sharks individually in the United Rugby Championship despite the team’s struggles. SABC Sport reports that he’s made more clean breaks (18) and metres (967) than any other player in the competition. He also has nine try involvements, scoring four and assisting five. This form has earned him a reported call-up to the latest Springboks alignment camp.
South African newspaper Rapport reports Fassi was one of the players invited to the virtual camp, which increases his chances of playing against Wales at Twickenham. Locally based players will dominate the camp as stars in the Top 14, and Premiership won’t be available. His fellow Sharks star, Phepsi Buthelezi, will be at the second camp as a backup number eight. If the Bulls and Stormers contest the URC final, then all of Evan Roos, Cameron Hanekom and Elrigh Louw will miss the Wales clash. Jasper Wiese won’t play any part against the Welsh.
Fassi comes full circle for the Springboks
Aphelele Fassi earned his first Springbok cap against Georgia in 2021 and got a second against Argentina in the same year. He hasn’t donned the green & gold since 2022 against Wales, so a return against the same opposition would be a full-circle moment. 26-year-old Fassi would add depth in the fullback position and compete with Damian Willemse and Willie Le Roux.
What do you think of Fassi’s inclusion?
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