Boks to sharpen up for Pumas riposte
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Aphelele Fassi said the Springboks will go back to the drawing board in preparation for an epic rematch against Argentina to decide the 2024 Rugby Championship title race.
South Africa's narrow 29-28 defeat in Santiago del Estero on Saturday has set up a thrilling decider next week in Nelspruit. The loss has not only delayed Rassie Erasmus’ charges from claiming their first Rugby Championship title since 2019, but also drop to second place on the global rankings.
The Springboks, battling the sweltering conditions and a determined Los Pumas outfit, now face the challenge of turning the tables in in the Republic next Saturday.
Fassi, who carved through the Pumas defence to open the scoring for the Boks, reflected on the tough encounter, the passionate Argentine crowd, and what lies ahead back home for the world champions.
"Coming to Argentina we knew it was going to be a tough task. We left a few opportunities out there," the fullback was quoted post-match. "Luckily we're flying to South Africa today [Sunday] and we can rectify it next week.”
The hostile atmosphere at Estadio Unico Madre de Ciudades added another layer of difficulty to an already intense clash. Fassi, one of the younger players in the Bok setup, handled the pressure well but recognised the significance of the experience.
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Time to shift the focus, a massive Test awaits in Mpumalanga next weekend #Springboks#ForeverGreenForeverGold#ARGvRSApic.twitter.com/RQkpChhH5w
— Springboks (@Springboks) September 21, 2024
"It was a crazy vibe. We knew the Argentinian fans were more like South African fans – very passionate people," he said. "The one thing I'll take [away from the match] was them not getting under our skin, and us focusing for the full 80 minutes."
Despite the loss, the eight-Test Fassi has been one of the standout performers for the Boks in 2024. With two tries in five starts this season, the 26-year-old has made his mark in the No 15 jumper, seizing the opportunity to potentially succeed two-time world champion Willie le Roux.
"It's been exciting, I’m grateful for the opportunities that I've been given by Coach Rassie," Fassi said. "For me, it's just been about being able to perform each and every time I'm given an opportunity to play for my country and my family."
Looking ahead to next Saturday's showdown, Fassi is eager to help the Boks lift the Rugby Championship title. South Africa has already claimed the Freedom Cup and Nelson Mandela Challenge Plate this season.
"It's probably number one; to represent your country and obviously win some trophies is number one," said Fassi, who also featured prominently in the Sharks' Challenge Cup title win in May. "The team knows that next week's not going to be an easy challenge."
Fassi also acknowledged areas the Boks need to improve on ahead of the rematch with Los Pumas: "Our lineouts didn't function too well today, so that's probably one aspect of the game. "And our wide breakdowns; they had a sniff once or twice in those wide breakdowns.
“And just at crucial times, being able to take our opportunities. We go back to the drawing board, prepare well for Argentina next week, and we can't wait," Fassi concluded.
Photo: Rodrigo Valle/Getty Images
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