Springbok fullback Fassi fired up to make more good memories of Georgia and Mbombela

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.

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 frontrunner to succeed veteran 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.”

He also has “Georgia on his mind” — with apologies to the late, great Ray Charles.

“I have great memories of that game against Georgia in 2021 at Loftus,” said Fassi, who was on the wing that day.

“With my first touch of the ball in the green and gold, I scored a try five minutes into the game. That was special.

“I see how I’ve grown since that debut. I’ve got more composure now and communicate more with my wings. Physically, I’m imposing myself — whether it’s in the air, at the breakdown, in the tackle or with ball in hand.”

Fassi’s international progress stalled after a tough outing in 2022, when the Boks suffered a shock loss to Wales in Bloemfontein. His defensive frailties and lack of impact in the kicking game were exposed — leading to a period of honest introspection and targeted improvement.

“The coaches explained some things to me after that game. I was sent clips focusing on defensive drills. At the Sharks, I had a long chat with Joey Mongalo, our defence coach.

"The one big thing he said was: ‘The intent with which you do something will show if you really want to do it or not.’ Intent is the most important thing in defence.

“I took my game up a notch. I played with determination and fixed my defence. I had to prove to myself that as the last man of defence, I could make my tackles.”

Looking ahead to Saturday’s encounter, Fassi expects a tough, uncompromising test from the Lelos.

“I’m expecting a physical battle. Their backline is more direct and physical in the wider channels, and they compete hard at the breakdown and in the tackle. But I also feel they’re a team that likes to play with the ball. A lot of their players are in the French Top 14, so they’ll bring a good mix.”

Set for his 12th Test cap, Fassi says his experience is starting to pay off.

“When you’re young, you just want to run with the ball at every opportunity. Now I look at the flow of the game and how things are panning out. In Test rugby, you’ve got to win certain battles, and every battle I enter is one I want to win — with the aim of putting my forwards in front.

“I like to play what’s in front of me, but also remain aware of how the game is unfolding.”