Aphelele Fassi Trusted To Shine In Bok Camp Against England

Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus is excited about tonight’s Castle Outgoing Tour test match against England at Twickenham, as it presents the perfect opportunity for rising star Aphelele Fassi to showcase his growth over the past three years at the international level.

Fassi has been chosen as the starting fullback, taking the spot over veteran Willie le Roux, who was on the verge of his 99th test match.

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Erasmus’ Gradual Introduction of Talent

Erasmus, a strong advocate of gradually introducing new talent, believes this match is ideal for Fassi to prove his mettle.

“You’re so right, I’m really glad you asked that question because we can understand what the fans see and what the opposition sees and what the media see and their families see.

“We are talking about all players but sometimes you just have that feeling you know, he hasn’t had a klaap from the opposition yet in a big game where he got the shock and says ‘Yay, now I’m in the big league’ and he has to get that somewhere,” Erasmus said.

“Now if he’s getting that in a team where there is a lot of youngsters, you need somebody to stand by him. I think the way we help him, he’s become a gritty tough player while having the magic that Fassi has.”

Aphelele Fassi The “Township Tackler” Skills

Erasmus, who fondly refers to Fassi as the “township tackler,” is confident that the Sharks fullback possesses the necessary skills for the type of game the Boks plan to play.

“Now he’s gliding over the field but he’s also really physical and also really goes harder for the ball and he also defends very well. The way he’s testing the guys there and he will get tested on that and the crowd make a massive thing,” the coach added.

“80,000 people, that ball is going a little bit higher and you can hear the footsteps.

“So, yes we try to do it at the right times, we don’t always get it right but sometimes you wait a little bit longer and then the guy’s career might just go a little bit deeper if you do it the right way.”

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