Among several bold selections made by Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus for this Saturday’s Test, the one that caught many by surprise was the decision to back Aphelele Fassi at fullback. Fassi has certainly been in outstanding form this year, but he has only started three Tests at fullback in his career, and there was a general expectation that Willie le Roux’s vast experience would put him in line for the No 15 jersey. However, Erasmus remains steadfast in his bold selections , and has issued a clear directive to Fassi.
“We are all waiting for Aphelele to do it now,” Erasmus said. “That’s what we’ve told him the whole of last week, ‘do it now, it’s on you! Go and show the people what you can do and why you’re here’. “Unfortunately with everything, there’s first the real hard graft in a game, before you get to do the beautiful things.
So he’s needed to get his technique under the high ball right, not lifting that leg, he’s got that out of his system. Understanding the wings, organising, he’s getting the ropes with that. “Now I think it’s his time to shine.
It’s not easy to shine against New Zealand. But that certainly where you know, ‘am I ready yet or not?’.” Aphelele Fassi free to fly as Willie’s role changes Meanwhile, the Springbok coach highlighted that Le Roux’s primary role over the next couple of years will be in a mentorship capacity .
“Willie is somebody who I’ve coached since my Stormers days,” Erasmus said. “He.