In a bold move that could spice up the Rugby Championship opener at Ellis Park this Saturday, Aphelele Fassi steps into the spotlight not just as a fullback but as the Springboks’ plan B for goal-kicking. Should Manie Libbok's usually reliable boot falter, Fassi is the man tasked with picking up the slack, a strategy laid out by none other than coach Rassie Erasmus to keep Libbok focused on orchestrating the game from flyhalf.
“I’ve been honing my kicking skills long before the season kicked off, and I’m pumped about my progress,” Fassi shared, displaying a confidence that’s as polished as his boots. “When Rassie flagged me as the backup kicker, I just doubled down on practice.”
"So, when coach Rassie told me that I’ll also be a kicking option, it was a matter of putting my head down and continuing to put in the work."
But Fassi is bracing for more than just kicking duties. He's gearing up for a fierce clash with the Wallabies, known for their robust forwards and slick backs. “It’s definitely going to be a hard-hitting game. They play a wide game, but we’ve got our strategies prepped and ready to deploy,” Fassi noted, ready to tackle whatever the Aussies hurl their way.
With murmurs that James O’Connor might spearhead the Australian squad at flyhalf, Fassi remains unshaken. “Our game plan stays solid. O’Connor has skills, sure, but we’ve faced off before and know how to hold our ground the Springbok way,” he asserted, confident in the team's ability to stick to their guns regardless of the opposition's lineup.
The Springboks are evidently not just prepared but eager to assert their dominance in what promises to be a riveting battle of brawn and brains. With Fassi ready to step into the kicker's shoes if needed and the team set to unleash their trademark ferocity, Saturday's game is shaping up to be a cracker of a contest.