VIDEO: It's Fassi's time says Rassie
VIDEO: Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus’ message to fullback Aphelele Fassi this week has been simple: ‘Just do it”.
When Erasmus named his matchday-23 to face the All Blacks at Ellis Park on Saturday, more than a few eyebrows were raised about the inclusion of Fassi at fullback at the cost of the seasoned veteran Willie le Roux.
Fassi was one of the standout players in the Sharks side even through their difficult times in the United Rugby Championship.
There is no doubt that the 26-year-old has the goods for the international stage.
The OptaJonny stats revealed that Fassi was the only player to gain 1000+ metres in this season’s URC (1013) and made more line breaks than any other competing player (16).
The six-cap Springbok fullback earned his first cap for the Springboks against Georgia in 2021, adding a second against Argentina later that year. His last appearance for the Springboks was against Wales in 2022.
While there is no question about his pace and ability to beat defenders, step and make line breaks, he also worked hard with the Sharks coaching team to fix his defence and work on his kicking game.
It paid off as he was named the Sharks’ Player of the Year earlier in the season.
When Erasmus was asked about Fassi’s inclusion, he was clear about the message to the Sharks fullback.
“We are all waiting for Aphelele to do it now.
“Those were the words all week. Do it now. It’s now you. Show the people what you can do and why you are here,” Erasmus explained while he acknowledged that the fullback has been working hard at his shortcomings.
“But first there is the really hard graft in a game before you get to do the beautiful things.
“[Like] him getting his technique under the high ball right and lifting that leg, he’s got that out of his system now.
“He understands the wings and organising them and working with Willie [le Roux] a hell of a lot.
“He’s getting the ropes of that.
“And now I think it is his time to shine.
“It’s not easy to shine against New Zealand but that’s where he will know ‘Am I ready or not’,” the coach said.
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Erasmus emphasised that it is not the end of the road for Le Roux and that he has an important role to play in guiding the youngsters in the side.
“Everybody knows that Willie is somebody that I coached for many years.
“He is at a time in his career where he accepts what his role is in the team and how he transfers…he helps the guys understand how big a test match is.
“How you are going to handle this, how you are going to handle that flyhalf, how you have to cover that space.
“He and [Fassie] are like this,” Erasmus smiled, showing two fingers together.
He also said when Damian Willemse returns, he will also be working closely with Le Roux, much like Bok captain Siya Kolisi did with Phepsi Buthelezi.
“Look we want to get him [le Roux] to his 100th game. He’s at 94. I think he can play for another two years.
“I don’t think he will make it to another World Cup.
“His role in the team now is to help the youngsters.
“And when he plays, to help us win.”
