Springbok fullback Aphelele Fassi dives over for the opening try against Argentina. Photo: AFP
Aphelele Fassi says the Springboks will go back to basics to beat Los Pumas in the Rugby Championship decider in Mbombela on Saturday (5pm kick-off) after they made countless errors in losing to the same team in Argentina.
The Boks’ 29-28 defeat in Santiago del Estero means that a Pumas win this weekend will secure them a first Championship title, while a home win will nail the Boks’ first trophy in the competition since 2019.
Fassi scored an immaculate try early in the game to help the Boks race into a 17-0 lead inside 15 minutes, only for them to implode.
“Coming to Argentina, we knew it was going to be a tough task,” Fassi said.
“We left a few opportunities out there. Luckily, we’re flying back to South Africa and can rectify it this week.
“But it was a crazy vibe at the weekend. We were told that the Argentinian fans were as passionate as our fans, but it was still a tough baptism.
“Our big theme for the week was to not let them get under our skin, and for us to focus for the full 80 minutes.”
That proved easier said than done, and the Pumas shook off a 17-0 deficit to reward their raucous fans with a famous win.
Sharks No 15 Fassi had a good game, and it appears that he is the fullback successor to the ageing Willie le Roux.
“It’s been exciting. I’m grateful for the opportunities that I’ve been given by coach Rassie (Erasmus),” Fassi said of his recall to the Bok set-up this season.
“It has been about performing every time I’m allowed to play for my country and my family.”
The 26-year-old from Qonce (formerly King William’s Town) in the Eastern Cape won his first trophy for the Boks when they landed the Freedom Cup by beating the All Blacks twice earlier this year.
Now he would dearly like to add a Rugby Championship medal to his modest collection.
A historic win for Argentina over the Springboks, who continue to show the world what they're made of 🇦🇷👏 pic.twitter.com/JBaDKI9Rcd
— SuperSport Rugby (@SSRugby) September 21, 2024
“It is number one to represent your country, and obviously to win trophies is greater than that,” said Fassi.
“The team knows that this week’s challenge is not going to be easy.
“Our line-outs didn’t function too well, so that’s just one aspect of the game we will address.
“And our wide breakdowns ... they had a sniff a few times in that area and turned us over.
“Also, at crucial times, we did not take our opportunities. We will go back to the drawing board, prepare well for Argentina next week, and we can’t wait.”
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