Fassi thrilled to run out in front of special Mbombela crowd
- SA Rugby
- 2 minutes ago
- 2 min read
Springbok fullback Aphelele Fassi was lit up with excitement to run out in front of the “special” Mbombela crowd against Georgia on Saturday, when the Boks will attempt to complete the Castle Lager Incoming Series unbeaten.
The Springboks have made it clear they expect a battle of attrition against the visitors but they looked forward to experiencing the electric atmosphere at the Mbombela Stadium.
The last time the Springboks played at the Lowveld ground was in the final game of their triumphant Castle Lager Rugby Championship campaign last year.
“Playing on this field is great,” said Fassi, who made his Test debut against Georgia in 2021.
“The crowd here in Mbombela is crazy and they have a special passion for their rugby. It holds a special place in my heart.”
Fassi echoed the sentiments of his teammates about the challenge ahead against Georgia and said the desire within the team to continue building on their standards was crucial for them this weekend.
Commenting on what Bok supporters could expect from him this weekend, the exciting back said: “Obviously you want to improve yourself but within the structure of the team. It is good to have the freedom that we have with the coaching staff to develop your real sense of the game.”
Speaking about how he has built on his game in the last few years, Fassi said: “I often think about how to improve my game and to prove to myself that I can do things that others cannot. I also like to play what is in front of me and thinking about how I can bring my teammates into the structure.”
The match kicks off at 5.10pm and will be broadcast live on SuperSport.
Springbok starting XV: 15 Aphelele Fassi, 14 Edwill van der Merwe, 13 Canan Moodie, 12 Damian de Allende, 11 Kurt-Lee Arendse; 10 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, 9 Grant Williams; 8 Cobus Wiese, 7 Pieter-Steph du Toit, 6 Siya Kolisi (capt); 5 Ruan Nortje, 4 Eben Etzebeth; 3 Neethling Fouche, 2 Marnus van der Merwe, 1 Boan Venter. Replacements: 16 Bongi Mbonambi, 17 Thomas du Toit, 18 Vincent Koch, 19 RG Snyman, 20 Kwagga Smith, 21 Faf de Klerk, 22 Handré Pollard, 23 Damian Willemse.