Fassi fired up to make more good memories

THE last time Aphelele Fassi played for the Springboks at Mbombela Stadium, he crossed the try-line twice during a rampant 48-7 victory over a strong Argentina side — a match forever remembered as Eben Etzebeth’s record-breaking Test.

- MIKE GREENAWAY

It was an emotional occasion, as Etzebeth overtook Victor Matfield to become the most-capped Springbok lock, but it was also the night Fassi delivered on the potential Rassie Erasmus had always seen in him. Having spent two years in the international wilderness refining his game, the fullback returned with an exceptional display that ticked every box the coaches had set for him.

The 26-year-old is back in Mbombela this Saturday to face Georgia, now widely considered the front-runner to succeed Willie le Roux — though Damian Willemse remains a contender for the No 15 jersey.

Fassi, however, is brimming with confidence and nostalgia.

“Playing for the Springboks here in Mbombela is awesome, the guys love it here,” he said. “The crowd is crazy, the atmosphere unreal. The passion for rugby here is unbelievable. Mbombela has a special place in my heart.”