Pressure on Aphelele Fassi's shoulders ahead of massive All Blacks Test

It's been an incredible few years for Fassi. His exploits for the Sharks first earned him a first Springbok cap against Georgia in 2021. He missed out on selection in 2023 in the lead-up to the World Cup, but an outstanding season with his Durban franchise saw him back in the Bok mix.

In the 2022/2023 United Rugby Championship, Fassi topped the linebreak and meters gained charts, as well as scoring the Try of the Season with a silky 60m solo effort against Edinburgh.

This, combined with a good outing against Australia in Perth in round 2 of the Rugby Championship, has seen him edge veteran Willie le Roux for the fullback jersey this weekend.

"I think it's his time to shine," said coach Rassie Erasmus on Tuesday.

"It's not easy to shine against the All Blacks, but that's certainly when you know: 'Am I ready yet?'

"So hopefully he flies."

With the Bok talent pool running deep, Erasmus added that the 26-year-old needs to make the most of his opportunity. The fact that it's at the iconic Emirates Airline Park against the Boks' most respected rival is added spice.  

"We are all waiting for Aphelele to do it now," he continued.

"That's been the words the whole week: Go and show the people what you can do and why you are here.

"With everything, it's first hard graft involved before you get to do the beautiful things. So him getting his technique under the highball right. Him understanding the wings and organising them. Small defence things with scrums and how to control the blind wing in the lineout. He's been working closely with Willie." 

READ MORE: We want to get Willie le Roux to his 100th cap, says Rassie Erasmus