Rassie’s radar: Taking stock of Boks’ fullback options

THE South African United Rugby Championship teams have some time off after two weekends of brutal South African derbies, with sore bodies getting an opportunity to recharge.

- JOHN GOLIATH

But one man who won't be getting any rest is Springboks coach Rassie Erasmus, who is probably using the break to take stock of his options heading into the 2026 international season later this year, while having one eye on the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia.

Yesterday morning, the attention briefly shifted to the showpiece event Down Under when the Springboks’ fixtures were confirmed.

The Boks face Italy, Georgia and Romania in Group B in just over 18 months’ time.

As Erasmus stews over his squad, we look at potential Bok options and the form of the current crop of players in each position, starting with the fullback berth.

Aphelele Fassi (Sharks)

After suffering a serious ankle injury in the Springboks' record win over the All Blacks in Wellington last year, Fassi has returned stronger than ever.

He produced two wonderful performances against the Stormers over the last two weekends, showing off his all-round game with touches of his attacking class, tactical kicking brilliance and defensive grit.