Latest news with #ApheleleFassi
The South African
a day ago
- Sport
- The South African
LIVE SCORING: Springboks v Barbarians
The Springboks will meet the Barbarians for the first time since 2016 – and for the first time ever in South Africa – when the teams do battle in Cape Town on Saturday evening. The game – which kicks off at 17:10 at the DHL Stadium – marks the Springboks' first match of the international season, after a successful 2024 campaign that yielded 11 wins in 13 Tests, as well as a Rugby Championship title. South Africa and the travelling club will compete for the Qatar Airways Cup, which the Springboks have held since defeating the All Blacks at the Allianz Stadium, Twickenham in 2023, and Wales at the same London venue last year. All eight of the previous matches between the Springboks and Barbarians were staged in Europe, with South Africa winning three, the Barbarians winning four, and one match ending in a draw. How will this encounter play out? Keep track below. Springboks: 15 Aphelele Fassi, 14 Cheslin Kolbe, 13 Jesse Kriel (captain), 12 Damian de Allende, 11 Kurt-Lee Arendse, 10 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, 9 Morné van den Berg, 8 Jean-Luc du Preez, 7 Vincent Tshituka, 6 Marco van Staden, 5 Lood de Jager, 4 Jean Kleyn, 3 Asenathi Ntlabakanye, 2 Malcolm Marx, 1 Ox Nche. Replacements: 16 Marnus van der Merwe, 17 Jan-Hendrik Wessels, 18 Neethling Fouche, 19 Franco Mostert, 20 Kwagga Smith, 21 Cobus Reinach, 22 Manie Libbok, 23 Andre Esterhuizen. Barbarians: 15 Melvyn Jaminet, 14 Mark Telea, 13 Leicester Fainga'anuku, 12 Peter Umaga-Jensen, 11 Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkins, 10 Josh Jacomb, 9 Tawera Kerr-Barlow, 8 Shannon Frizell, 7 Sam Cane, 6 Peter O'Mahony (captain), 5 David Ribbans, 4 Ruben van Heerden, 3 Paul Alo-Emile, 2 Camille Chat, 1 Cian Healy. Replacements: 16 Ricky Riccitelli, 17 Hassane Kolingar, 18 Will Collier, 19 Josh Beehre, 20 Hoskins Sotutu, 21 Santiago Arata, 22 Joe Marchant, 23 Lachlan Boshier. Date: Saturday, June 28 Venue: Cape Town Stadium Kick-off: 17.10 (15.10 GMT) Referee: AJ Jacobs Assistant referees: Christopher Allison and Stephan Geldenhuys TMO: Egon Seconds Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The Citizen
2 days ago
- Sport
- The Citizen
Fassi eager to continue growing at 15 for Boks: 'The competition is healthy'
Aphelele Fassi is fired up for another big season with the Springboks, despite the extra competition in the fullback position. Springbok fullback Aphelele Fassi is eager to continue his impressive rise over the past couple of seasons and produce another strong campaign for the Boks, starting this weekend against the Barbarians. After making his Springbok debut against Georgia in 2021, Fassi only played twice more for the national team over the next year, against Argentina, and then against Wales in July 2022, following which he was dropped from the squad for various reasons. This saw him miss out on selection for the 2023 World Cup, and only after a fantastic 2023/24 URC campaign for the Sharks, was he brough back into the Springbok mix last year. This time he fully took his opportunity, taking advantage of the injury enforced absence of Damian Willemse, to get a run in the Bok No 15 jersey. Fassi featured eight times over the season, starting off against Wales and Portugal, then impressed in the Rugby Championship in games against Australia, the All Blacks, and Argentina, before he finished off against England and Wales on the end-of-year-tour. It was essentially a breakout season for the 27-year-old, and he will now want to secure his place in the team, especially with the added competition with Willemse back, while Willie le Roux will be targeting two more games to reach his hundred cap milestone as well. Healthy competition 'The competition at fullback is healthy. Like Rassie Erasmus always says, we are here for a reason. So if you're not playing on the weekend, you help the other guys, and if you're playing, you play to the best of your ability,' said Fassi. 'The competition is never about bringing someone down or being malicious. The communication between the three of us has been great. We help each other develop our game, and the competition brings the best out of us.' Fassi admits that he is continuing to learn and has improved a lot over the last year, and he wants to keep developing and growing his game over this year's international campaign. 'My work rate has improved. I've been able to communicate better, and I've also shown a strong willingness to learn,' explained Fassi. 'I approach every week differently. My preparation has changed. My kicking game has improved, and I take each week as it comes. I think that's where I've grown the most.' This weekend's match against the Barbarians will also be Fassi's biggest challenge since returning from a serious injury he picked up with the Sharks in December, which saw him out for almost four months, although he did have a good end of season run for his franchise. 'I came back from the injury and played six games at club level. Obviously, it's a different ball game when you come to Test level. This game will test what level I'm at. I want to see where I can improve and get better going forward into the season,' said Fassi.
IOL News
3 days ago
- Sport
- IOL News
Fantastic to play with Cheslin and Kurt-Lee, says Springbok fullback Aphelele Fassi ahead of Barbarians showdown
Aphelele Fassi will look to run the show for the Springboks at fullback against the Barbarians on Saturday. Photo: BackpagePix Image: BackpagePix Sharks superstar Aphelele Fassi is known for his sparkling rugby and being able to create something from almost nothing when given an inch or two of space on the rugby field. While they are encouraged to back their skills within the Springbok set-up, this Saturday against the Barbarians in Cape Town (5.10pm kick-off), the world champions will approach the game with a Test-match intensity. That means a more structured game plan will be followed and with the predicted weather conditions, an open game will play right into the hands of the Baabaas. However, while the Boks will box clever in their first match of the year, there should be enough opportunities for the likes of Fassi, and wingers Cheslin Kolbe and Kurt-Lee Arendse to run with the ball in hand. 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. 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. Advertisement 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. 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 ✕ 'The freedom that the coaches give us is immense, but I will focus on what I have to deliver on Saturday within the team's structure,' Fassi said on Wednesday in a rainy Cape Town. 'It is fantastic playing with Cheslin and Kurt-Lee. I learn a lot from them as well in terms of communication. Things that they like (to do) and what they need (on the field). 'I am building a good relationship with them, and I am just excited to see what we can deliver on Saturday. 'We won't be approaching the game any differently, even if the weather plays a role,' the fullback added. Jean-Luc du Preez can't wait for his first #Springboks start since 2018, and who can blame him? 🫡#ForeverGreenForeverGold — Springboks (@Springboks) June 25, 2025 'Maybe for them (the Barbarians) it would be quite different. They are an entertaining team, and they will want to entertain the Cape Town fans. 'We will implement our physical game and how we want to play. I think the weather won't have a huge impact for us.' The fullback highlighted his work-rate, communication and will to learn as areas of his game where he has seen growth over the last year. He has also put an emphasis on improving his kicking game. He hopes the match will indicate to him what level he is at heading into the international season where the world champions will play 13 other confirmed Tests.
IOL News
21-06-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
No rivalry among Springboks fullbacks, says Aphelele Fassi
Springbok fullback Aphelele Fassi is keen to build on his Test caps this season with the national side. Image: BackpagePix There is no competitiveness between him, Willie le Roux, and Damian Willemse for the Springboks' No 15 jersey, according to Aphelele Fassi. For them, it's all about how they can improve the team, and whoever is selected on a specific matchday to wear the fullback jersey, the others will do their best to support him in preparing for what awaits on a certain weekend from the opposition. With the Springboks set to play 14 matches this season, Fassi will likely feature in some as the starting fullback as head coach Rassie Erasmus looks to expand his squad ahead of the 2027 Rugby World Cup. The Bok season starts this Saturday against the Barbarians in Cape Town. The @Barbarian_FC will announce their final squad in the coming days - if you could bring one of these former #Springboks back, who would it be? 🫡 Don't miss out, grab your tickets now from Ticketmaster South Africa - click here: 🎟 There's rugby ...… — Springboks (@Springboks) June 21, 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. 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. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ 'I don't think it is a rivalry,' Fassi said about the fullback jersey of the Boks and who gets to wear it on a specific match day. 'What the coaches have been telling us; it's about building the squad in the right direction and being able to help each other week in and week out. "Over the past couple of weeks, Damian and I have been helping each other out in certain areas of our game and discussing how to improve. With the experience Willie brings, it's vital for us. 'The aim is not to bash each other up but to compete and help each other going forward. Everyone has a different way of playing and we all have that X-factor that we want to bring into the game. "All we are doing is to help each other to understand the gameplan and how your X-factor can filter into the team.' 'It's just a really spicy thing, a lekker thing to look forward to' 🗣 Rassie Erasmus reflects on his @Barbarian_FC memories as the #Springboks get set for a historic Cape Town clash 🇿🇦 Tickets from R950 behind the poles. Get yours from @TicketmasterZA :… — Springboks (@Springboks) June 20, 2025 According to Fassi, it wasn't too difficult to adjust from the United Rugby Championship to what is demanded at the Springbok level. However, he has been working on his strengths with the aid of Le Roux and Willemse. For him, it's important to be able to learn and feed off Le Roux who's been capped 97 times by the Springboks. 'In situations where I don't know what to do, I kind of feed off him. He has had a massive impact. This past week, I sat and asked him a few questions. Those answers were what I needed, and they will help me going into the season. #Springbok Assistant Coach Tony Brown reflects on another intense and hardworking training camp — laying the foundation for what's to come. 💪🇿🇦#StrongerTogether #Springboks #TonyBrown — Springboks (@Springboks) June 19, 2025
The Citizen
20-06-2025
- 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.'
