Ball carrier Aphelele Fassi of South Africa during the Rugby Championship match between South Africa and Argentina at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on August 14, 2021 in Gqeberha, South Africa. Photo: Richard Huggard/Gallo Images.

Fassi should be fullback for Springboks’ November Tests

The Springboks should unleash their Weekend Special Aphelele Fassi on Wales, Scotland and England in the November Tests.

by James Richardson

10-10-2021 10:28

in Springboks

Aphelele Fassi has made an impression for the Springboks as a winger but should revert to fullback and start the November Test matches.

Fassi should be a lock for Bok fullback

Across the Rugby Championship, Willie Le Roux’s performance in the 15 jersey left a lot to be desired, culminating in his nightmare first half in the final match against the All Blacks. Le Roux’s attacking play has been compromised by poor decision-making and sloppy execution.

While Frans Steyn put in an inspired performance at fullback when he replaced Le Roux at half time in that 31-29 triumph, that display is more likely to serve as justification for his continued deployment as a substitute.

Fassi looks to be the best choice for the Springboks with a view to the 2023 World Cup in France, and he could use the experience of playing in the northern hemisphere.

The decision wouldn’t be all about developing Fassi as a player; it is likely to vastly improve the Springboks attacking options while not compromising the kicking game in any way.

Fassi has a massive left boot on him, and even those who have seen little of him would likely agree that you’d much rather be kicking to Le Roux than to the ‘Weekend Special’. A powerful and elusive runner with absurd ball skills, Fassi’s time is now.

There are other contenders for the 15 jersey, this is true, but Fassi stands out as a player who would improve the Springboks attacking play and add a different dimension at the back.

Among the other candidates are Damian Willemse, Fassi’s Sharks teammate Curwin Bosch, or the Bulls’ Kriel brothers.

Willemse has done a decent job whenever asked to turn out for the Springboks and it appears he might get an extended run at fullback when he returns to the Stormers.

Bosch has looked closer to his best form since moving back to fullback for the Sharks, but hasn’t done enough to warrant a Springbok call-up.

David and Richard Kriel have traded the Bulls 15 jersey, while also popping up elsewhere in Jake White’s backline. The pair should get great experience out of playing in the United Rugby Championship, but it might be too early for them to don the green and gold.

Fassi could be the cure to some of the Springboks current weaknesses, possessing everything Jacques Nienaber should be looking for in a fullback. He should play as much Springbok rugby in November as possible.