VIDEO: The Bok star who 'proved people wrong at the highest level'
SPOTLIGHT: Springbok fullback Aphelele Fassi seems pretty confident about Cheslin Kolbe’s chances of being crowned the world’s best player on Sunday in Monaco.
Kolbe and teammates Eben Etzebeth and Pieter-Steph du Toit were shortlisted for the award along with Ireland captain Caelan Doris.
Du Toit is the only player to have won it already and that was back in 2019.
Ahead of Saturday’s final tour match against Wales in Cardiff and Sunday’s awards ceremony, Fassi said Kolbe’s rugby journey speaks for itself.
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“He has been brilliant throughout the year,” said the fullback.
“When he started, everyone was talking about his size. He proved people wrong at the highest level.
“He is one of the best. He is the best.”
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Fassi has been relishing every moment on the field with Kolbe and fellow wing Kurt-Lee Arendse.
“They have been at the World Cup and have won the World Cup,” said Fassi. “For me, it is about letting them be themselves and not talk a lot.
“At times they direct me as well.
“We just go out there as a back three and help each other in different situations of the game.
“I just enjoy every moment playing with them.”
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The fullback also explained how South Africa’s attacking philosophy has developed under Tony Brown and Mzwandile Stick.
“Tony has given us the freedom to attack space when we see space and with coach Stick it is just about having a balance in your game when you have lost momentum and when you have momentum,” Fassi explained.
“It is just being able to read what is happening in the game at certain stages.
“That’s how I operate. I am always trying to put my forwards onto the front foot.
“I think it’s just about having a balance between your kicking game and that attack.”
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