Latest news with #ApheleleFassi
The Citizen
13 hours ago
- Sport
- The Citizen
X-factor fullbacks each bring something different to Springboks
Aphelele Fassi says the Springboks' three choice fullbacks work together but contribute differently to the side. Aphelele Fassi (right) says he has learned much from veteran Springbok Willie le Roux. Picture: Shaun Roy/While some notable players are missing from the revised 45-man Springbok squad for the early season, all three choice fullbacks are on the list and raring to go. Only Quan Horn has been released due to injury. Aphelele Fassi told the media that he, Willie le Roux and Damian Willemse are working hard in training ahead of their Barbarians Test on 28 June, before three July Tests against Italy and Georgia. While there is healthy competition for the number 15 spot, he said there hasn't been any animosity between the trio. Springboks back each other 'I don't think it's a rivalry. From what the coaches have been telling us, it's being able to build the squad in the right direction, being able to help each other week in and week out,' Fassi said. 'Damian and I have been helping each other with different areas of our game, being able to improve. And with the experience that Willie brings between me and Damian, it's vital for us.' The Springbok fullback said the aim was not to 'bash each other up' but rather lift each other's game. To that end, the players each have various strengths and can contribute differently. 'I think everyone has a different way of playing and we all have X-factor that we want to bring into the game. All we do is help each other and be able to understand what the game plan is and how we want to play as the Springboks, and how your individual X-factor can filter into the team.' Fassi said Le Roux, who now sits on 98 Test caps at 35 years of age, has much wisdom to pass on. 'In situations I don't see or don't know what to do, I feed off him. He's been a massive with me.' Fassi said he sat with Le Roux after training this week and asked him for help. 'The answers that he gave me are something that I really needed and something that builds me going into the season.' Fullbacks encouraged to play with freedom Fassi said the Springbok coaches, and especially assistant coach Tony Brown, have encouraged the backline to play with freedom within the team's game plan. 'You are not boxed up, and that is what we like. We've got players that have got X-factor: Damian [de Allende], Jesse [Kriel], Gaza [Damian Willemse]. To be able to box up those puts them away. 'We are just happy to be able to play the rugby that one knows that they can play, but also that is within the structures.'
The Citizen
a day ago
- Sport
- The Citizen
Rising Bok star Aphelele Fassi knows he has a target on his back
Springbok fullback Aphelele Fassi said he is developing and adapting his style to meet the growing analysis done on him. Rising Springbok fullback Aphelele Fassi said he is well aware that international teams will be doing more analysis on him since his breakout season last year, but that only drives him to keep developing his game and even change his style where needed. The 27-year-old made his international debut in 2021, and has a total of 11 Test caps under his belt. But he only became a regular feature in the Springbok squad last year, where he played six matches for the national side, including Tests against Wales and Portugal and matches against New Zealand, Australia and Argentina in the Rugby Championship. He shone especially in the latter tournament, kicking well and finding gaps at pace, scoring four tries in those four games. His opposition did not know him well then. They certainly do now, ahead of the next international season, starting with the Springboks' match against the Barbarians in Cape Town on 28 June. 'That is why we are sportsmen' 'Each and every year that you play, you have a target on your back,' Fassi said. 'I think that is why we are sportsmen. That is why we want to develop our game and be able to not be predictable. It is up to me to tick those boxes and play a different style, or come up with a different approach in how I go into games and how I play.' The fullback has been a star at the Sharks for a long time, playing all his domestic rugby there since his debut in 2019. In terms of making the step up to international rugby, albeit over several seasons, Fassi said he had handled the pressure 'pretty well'. 'I feed off energy and I feed off guys… I see how guys do things and I try repeat the same thing,' he said. 'We set high standards within this group and we are not worried about what happens on the outside. If we can set ourselves standards and maintain those standards within this group, we are happy.' Fassi getting back to his best after injury Fassi was sidelined for almost four months after hurting his knee and ankle during a United Rugby Championship match against the Stormers in December. While he was glad to string six matches together since his April return, Fassi said he is still eager to hit top form again. 'It was good to get six games back from injury, be able to get my leg back. I am pretty excited for what is coming up next and how I can be able to develop my game and be able to play a lot of games.' 'I never know when my best is, honestly. Because I just want to keep on improving as a rugby player and being able to learn the way of rugby.'
The Herald
01-06-2025
- General
- The Herald
Ice-cool Davids kicks Sharks into URC semifinal
The Sharks dug deep, some forceful play from the pack, allowed for some slick handling by the backs with Aphelele Fassi touching down next to the posts. By that stage the Sharks were well in the ascendancy, their bench making a greater impact and it was one of those, front-rower Fez Mbatha, who burst through to give the Sharks the lead. Munster, who won three playoff matches on the road when they claimed the title two years ago, showed great resolve, with veteran Conor Murray coming off the bench to land a 45m penalty to tie the scores. Extra time matched the dire first half in terms of quality, with the match eventually reaching its unusual conclusion and ensuring the Sharks have to make a trip north to Loftus next week to take on the Bulls. Scorers Sharks 24 (0): Tries — Ethan Hooker, Aphelele Fassi, Fez Mbatha. Conversions — Jaden Hendrickse (3). Penalty — Jaden Hendrickse Munster 24 (7): Tries — Calvin Nash, Josh Wycherley, Diarmuid Kilgallen. Conversions — Jack Crowley (3). Penalty — Conor Murray * Sharks won kicking contest 6-4
IOL News
28-05-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
Five key players for the Sharks in their first-ever home URC quarter-final
Springbok fullback Aphelele Fassi scored nine points off the kicking tee in his previous clash, but the Sharks will hope their fullback is at his attacking best in the URC quarter-final against Munster on Saturday. Image: BackpagePix The Sharks will play their first-ever home quarter-final in the United Rugby Championship (URC) this weekend, and facing former champions Munster will be a big occasion for the home side. With a spot in the semis up for grabs, the Durbanites will need a team performance at Kings Park to shut out Munster, who have found a nick for winning play-off games away from home. Independent Newspapers looks at five Sharks players who must lead the side's quest to the top four. Two teams. Two Play-Off dreams. One epic Quarter-Final clash! 🔥 The odds? Almost too close to call — 47% v 53% for a Semi-Final spot 👀 Who's got the edge when the pressure is on? 💪@Vodacom #URC | #SHAvMUN — Vodacom United Rugby Championship (URC) (@URCOfficial_RSA) May 28, 2025 Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. 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Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ Eben Etzebeth He said this week his body feels rested for the play-offs which is an unusual thing considering the long season, but he will want to make up for lost time after his spell on the sidelines when the team forged on in his absence. Etzebeth's physicality will be key for the side if they look to get over the advantage line with some big carries. Equally, he will have to light the fire on defence and at ruck time to halt the cunningness of the Irish at the breakdowns. They will look to get under his skin with off-the-ball stuff and that is where his leadership qualities will have to come through to avoid getting into the handbags. 🦈 The Shark Tank will be rocking... The stakes? Off the charts ☄️ This one's got all the ingredients for a classic 👌 🎟️ Get your tickets now and witness knock-out chaos 👉 #URC | #SHAvMUN — Vodacom United Rugby Championship (URC) (@URCOfficial_RSA) May 24, 2025 Aphelele Fassi The flying fullback is slowly but surely getting back into his stride after his injury layoff, and he was a shining light in their last game at home – a rather dull affair, but nevertheless won through his kicking boot. There should be fewer kicking responsibilities on the shoulders of Fassi and. hopefully, his attacking prowess can come to the fore. The Sharks owe their supporters an exciting attacking display. But Munster's kicking game could put him under pressure and defending against former teammate Thaakier Abrahams and Calvin Nash, Munster's wingers, could be tricky. Some wild kicks are in the running for @GILBERT_RUGBY Kick of the Month 🏉 Vote for your favourite kick below 👇#GilbertKOTM | #URC — BKT United Rugby Championship (URC) (@URCOfficial) May 27, 2025 Jaden Hendrikse The overall gameplay of the scrumhalf has been under some scrutiny over the last couple of performances, especially with the Sharks struggling to get their attack going in games where they should've had the upper hand. With his kicking game, there is nothing wrong and it's something that the side can fall back on if they are under pressure. But Durban will want to see some good tries scored on Saturday and how sharp and quick he is at the breakdown area will be important. Hendrikse owes the team a performance that can take them into the semi-finals and it's about time he delivers behind a strong pack of forwards. Ox Nche The chief destroyer of the Sharks' scrum will look to feast again against his opponents. He has been at the helm of the powerful scrum the side produces over the season and will look to carry that form into the playoffs.
The Citizen
17-05-2025
- Sport
- The Citizen
URC result: Sharks see off Scarlets in low-scoring affair
No tries were scored on the day, the Sharks claiming the win through four penalties to the Scarlets' solitary drop-goal. The Sharks edged out the Scarlets 12–3 in their final United Rugby Championship league phase match, played at Kings Park Stadium on Saturday. It was a low-scoring game that saw no tries scored. Whenever either team found momentum to reach the other's 22, they lost the ball at the breakdown or spilled it forward. The Sharks especially struggled to take their opportunities despite securing more possession and territory. Ultimately, it came down to mistakes and the penalties they conceded – which proved decisive. The match held familial significance as Sharks coach John Plumtree's son, Taine, played at No 8 for Scarlets on the day. He was good in defence but had few attacking opportunities. Sharks and Scarlets both struggle Both teams lacked sharpness at the start and were still scoreless after the first 30 minutes. This, despite a few good drives from the Sharks. The home side finally put points on the board through an easy penalty kick in the 38th minute. As the hooter sounded, Scarlets flyhalf Sam Costelow slotted a drop-goal to make it 3–3 at the break. The beginning of the second half was likewise quiet, the Sharks only securing a penalty kick in the 53rd minute, which Aphelele Fassi slotted to give them a three-point lead. The Sharks brought on four substitutes in the 55th minute. But even they struggled to provide the killing edge they needed. The Sharks extended their lead with another penalty kick in the 68th minute and their fourth in the final minute. All attacks from the Scarlets faltered, and they finished the game with just their drop-goal to speak of. Scorers Sharks: Penalties – Siya Masuku 1/1, Aphelele Fassi 3/3. Scarlets: Drop-goals – Sam Costelow 1/1.
