With Damian Willemse back from injury, Willie le Roux nearing his 100th cap, and Aphelele Fassi continuing to impress, the battle for the Springbok No 15 jersey is heating up.
Willemse is one of four-fit again World Cup winners recalled to the Springbok squad for the November tour, where the world champions will tackle Scotland, England and Wales.
The DHL Stormers playmaker’s return has given Rassie Erasmus a particular headache at fullback, as Fassi has taken his opportunity in the Rugby Championship.
Fassi’s attacking brilliance and fearlessness in contact have earned him a strong position in the pecking order, pushing veteran Le Roux to the fringes. But Willemse, who had nailed down the 15 jersey before his injury, is now fit and ready to compete.
For Fassi, speaking during a Sharks press conference this week, this kind of competition is not a problem—it’s part of the process.
“Healthy competition is a good thing,” said Fassi, acknowledging the challenge ahead.
“It’s simple for me; everyone has trust in Rassie’s plan. For us as players, it’s all about being able to trust that and to do what you’re required to do in terms of your job. If I play or Damian plays or Willie plays, whoever is not playing has a different job, which is to prepare who’s playing very well for the game.”
Fassi, who has played six Tests this season, emphasized that the Springboks’ strength lies in their unity.
“I think that’s the same with anyone who plays or doesn’t [in other positions]; we’re a unit that really wants to work together,” he explained.
“We don’t play against each other; we play for South Africa; some people play for their families—we play for the pride of the Springboks.”
Speaking on Behind the Ruck, Fassi reflected on his journey this year, including the surprise recall to the Bok squad.
“I’m proud, really, I won’t lie. I think, when I started, before I joined the Boks, it was always URC. And then, obviously, your goals are quite different then. And then when I got the opportunity to join the Boks, you know, your goals change as well,” Fassi said.
His recall to the Bok group was unexpected, but he embraced it wholeheartedly.
“I felt free. You know, I was surprised when, like I said, I got invited into the [Springboks] group chat, and I was like, yes, you know?” he added with a smile.
Fassi credits the leadership within the team for driving him to improve.
“Looking at Eben [Etzebeth] and Pieter-Steph [du Toit], hard-working guys. So, you know, Siya [Kolisi], you want to be at that pinnacle level where they are. And, yeah, they drive you,” said Fassi.
The return of Willemse might add to the competition, but Fassi isn’t fazed. He’s determined to stay consistent in his preparation and performance, ready to seize any opportunity.
“When that opportunity came to me, I was like, ‘I want to take it with both hands’.”
Photo: Anton Geyser/Gallo Images
The post Fassi: It’s all part of Rassie’s plan appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Src: sarugbymag.co.za
