Latest news with #Fassi
IOL News
17-07-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
Springbok fullback Fassi fired up to make more good memories of Georgia and Mbombela
Springbok fullback Aphelele Fassi returns to Mbombela Stadium this weekend with confidence and form, eager to shine once more in front of one of South Africa's most passionate rugby crowds. Photo: Backpageix Image: Backpagepix 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. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ 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.' The Battle of Mbombela 🦁 Unbeaten ground. One last roar to close out the Castle Lager Incoming Series. Make some noise - get your tickets now at Ticketmaster: #ForeverGreenForeverGold — Springboks (@Springboks) July 17, 2025 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.'
The Citizen
27-06-2025
- Sport
- The Citizen
Fassi eager to continue growing at 15 for Boks: 'The competition is healthy'
Aphelele Fassi is fired up for another big season with the Springboks, despite the extra competition in the fullback position. Springbok fullback Aphelele Fassi is eager to continue his impressive rise over the past couple of seasons and produce another strong campaign for the Boks, starting this weekend against the Barbarians. After making his Springbok debut against Georgia in 2021, Fassi only played twice more for the national team over the next year, against Argentina, and then against Wales in July 2022, following which he was dropped from the squad for various reasons. This saw him miss out on selection for the 2023 World Cup, and only after a fantastic 2023/24 URC campaign for the Sharks, was he brough back into the Springbok mix last year. This time he fully took his opportunity, taking advantage of the injury enforced absence of Damian Willemse, to get a run in the Bok No 15 jersey. Fassi featured eight times over the season, starting off against Wales and Portugal, then impressed in the Rugby Championship in games against Australia, the All Blacks, and Argentina, before he finished off against England and Wales on the end-of-year-tour. It was essentially a breakout season for the 27-year-old, and he will now want to secure his place in the team, especially with the added competition with Willemse back, while Willie le Roux will be targeting two more games to reach his hundred cap milestone as well. Healthy competition 'The competition at fullback is healthy. Like Rassie Erasmus always says, we are here for a reason. So if you're not playing on the weekend, you help the other guys, and if you're playing, you play to the best of your ability,' said Fassi. 'The competition is never about bringing someone down or being malicious. The communication between the three of us has been great. We help each other develop our game, and the competition brings the best out of us.' Fassi admits that he is continuing to learn and has improved a lot over the last year, and he wants to keep developing and growing his game over this year's international campaign. 'My work rate has improved. I've been able to communicate better, and I've also shown a strong willingness to learn,' explained Fassi. 'I approach every week differently. My preparation has changed. My kicking game has improved, and I take each week as it comes. I think that's where I've grown the most.' This weekend's match against the Barbarians will also be Fassi's biggest challenge since returning from a serious injury he picked up with the Sharks in December, which saw him out for almost four months, although he did have a good end of season run for his franchise. 'I came back from the injury and played six games at club level. Obviously, it's a different ball game when you come to Test level. This game will test what level I'm at. I want to see where I can improve and get better going forward into the season,' said Fassi.
Eyewitness News
26-06-2025
- Sport
- Eyewitness News
Boks expecting front-foot approach from Barbarians in season opener
CAPE TOWN - The Springboks are expecting a front-foot approach from the Barbarians in their season opener at DHL Stadium on Saturday. Aphelele Fassi explained how the Boks will look to express themselves while staying within the coaching structures. "It will be a Test match level approach, that's what it's been the whole week. The freedom that the coaches give us is immense and I'll focus on what I'll have to deliver on Saturday and within the structure of the team." The Bok fullback spoke about the influence that players like Cheslin Kolbe and Kurt-Lee Arendse have on his performance. "It's fantastic to play with those two players, they're world-class. I learn a lot from them in terms of communication and what they like and what they need, building a good relationship with them and I'm just excited to see what we can deliver on Saturday." Fassi had this to say when asked if the wet conditions in the Cape would impact their approach. "For us, it's not different to how we're approaching the game, maybe for them it's quite different because they're an entertaining team to entertain the Cape Town fans but for us, we're going to implement our physical game onto them and how we want to play, so I think the weather, for us, doesn't really play a role." Jean-Luc du Preez admitted that he was delighted to be back in the green and gold. "The Springboks were always in the back of my mind. I always used to tell myself to play well for the club and hopefully, something comes from it to be given this opportunity again. I'm delighted." The Bok loose forward feels certain that players will elevate their performance to prove a point to the world champions. "As Fassi said, they're an expansive team and liek to put on a display for the crowd but I think the likes of Shannon Frizell and Sam Cane and those boys, they're going to be coming hard and will want to prove themselves against the Boks and that's where we'll need to front up on Saturday and hopefully we do that." Du Preez expects the New Zealand players to have an extra edge due to what happened in the 2023 Rugby World Cup final. "I definitely think they'll have that in the back of their minds, as I said, just to prove a point. I think just playing against the Springboks, you'll be up for it. It should be a good match-up." Du Preez also expressed what it means to be back in the Springbok setup. "For me, coming in and out of the Boks setup, it's been tough the last few years and I just to try and use this opportunity as best as I can and just do my job on Saturday really. That's it."
IOL News
26-06-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
Fantastic to play with Cheslin and Kurt-Lee, says Springbok fullback Aphelele Fassi ahead of Barbarians showdown
Aphelele Fassi will look to run the show for the Springboks at fullback against the Barbarians on Saturday. Photo: BackpagePix Image: BackpagePix Sharks superstar Aphelele Fassi is known for his sparkling rugby and being able to create something from almost nothing when given an inch or two of space on the rugby field. While they are encouraged to back their skills within the Springbok set-up, this Saturday against the Barbarians in Cape Town (5.10pm kick-off), the world champions will approach the game with a Test-match intensity. That means a more structured game plan will be followed and with the predicted weather conditions, an open game will play right into the hands of the Baabaas. However, while the Boks will box clever in their first match of the year, there should be enough opportunities for the likes of Fassi, and wingers Cheslin Kolbe and Kurt-Lee Arendse to run with the ball in hand. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ 'The freedom that the coaches give us is immense, but I will focus on what I have to deliver on Saturday within the team's structure,' Fassi said on Wednesday in a rainy Cape Town. 'It is fantastic playing with Cheslin and Kurt-Lee. I learn a lot from them as well in terms of communication. Things that they like (to do) and what they need (on the field). 'I am building a good relationship with them, and I am just excited to see what we can deliver on Saturday. 'We won't be approaching the game any differently, even if the weather plays a role,' the fullback added. Jean-Luc du Preez can't wait for his first #Springboks start since 2018, and who can blame him? 🫡#ForeverGreenForeverGold — Springboks (@Springboks) June 25, 2025 'Maybe for them (the Barbarians) it would be quite different. They are an entertaining team, and they will want to entertain the Cape Town fans. 'We will implement our physical game and how we want to play. I think the weather won't have a huge impact for us.' The fullback highlighted his work-rate, communication and will to learn as areas of his game where he has seen growth over the last year. He has also put an emphasis on improving his kicking game. He hopes the match will indicate to him what level he is at heading into the international season where the world champions will play 13 other confirmed Tests.
The Sun
24-06-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Italian man sparks fury claiming Singapore living is 'Super Cheap'
AN Italian expatriate has triggered heated online discussions after boldly claiming that Singapore's cost of living is actually quite reasonable, contrary to widespread local complaints about rising expenses. Andrea Fassi, a sales professional who has called Singapore home for four years, recently shared his controversial perspective in an Instagram video that quickly went viral among netizens. 'Everyone keeps moaning about expensive living costs here,' Fassi stated in his post. 'But honestly, except for the CBD area and some specific locations, daily necessities remain quite affordable for most people.' The Italian backed up his argument with a quintessentially Singaporean example - a freshly purchased cup of kopi siew dai that cost him just one Singapore dollar (RM3.31). 'That's barely 70 US cents ,' he emphasised. 'I mean, where else can you find coffee this cheap?' While Fassi conceded that certain areas and luxury items carry hefty price tags, he maintained that 'most residents can absolutely afford a comfortable standard of living' in the city-state. When contacted for elaboration, the expat explained that essential items like hawker center meals, MRT rides, grocery shopping, and recreational activities all come with reasonable price points. He also highlighted the abundance of free public parks and green spaces available to residents. Currently residing in a private condominium, Fassi relies on public transportation for his daily commute and frequently dines at nearby coffee shops, which keeps his living expenses manageable. Comparing Singapore to his native northern Italy, Fassi noted that overall living costs are remarkably similar, with one significant exception being accommodation expenses. He acknowledged that rental and property prices here are substantially higher but argued that savings in other areas help offset this difference. The Italian's social media presence often features positive aspects of Singapore life, including praise for HDB estate amenities and facilities. His comments have divided online opinion sharply. Some users, particularly those from his neighborhood who can still find dollar coffee, agreed with his assessment. One commenter noted that Singapore remains 'relatively affordable' compared to countries like the United States and Australia. However, critics were quick to challenge his perspective. Several locals pointed out that one-dollar kopi is becoming increasingly scarce, with prices in many areas rising well beyond that benchmark. Another user suggested that Fassi should consult people outside expatriate communities to better understand the financial struggles faced by average Singaporeans.
