Latest news with #Springboks
IOL News
16 minutes ago
- 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.'
News24
2 hours ago
- Sport
- News24
Georgia on his mind: Fassi comes full circle since 2021 Bok debut against the Lelos
Springboks fullback Aphelele Fassi. (Dirk Kotze/Gallo Images) Be among those who shape the future with knowledge. Uncover exclusive stories that captivate your mind and heart with our FREE 14-day subscription trial. Dive into a world of inspiration, learning, and empowerment. You can only trial once. Start your FREE trial now Show Comments ()
The Citizen
2 hours ago
- Sport
- The Citizen
Georgian team treated to Kruger in true Lowveld hospitality style
The Georgian national rugby team swapped scrums for game drives as they were treated to an unforgettable experience in the Kruger National Park on Wednesday. The unforgettable experience was orchestrated by Mdluli Safari Lodge, whose swift planning and deep regional ties turned a simple idea into a world-class moment of Lowveld hospitality. The team, in the Lowveld ahead of their clash with the Springboks at Mbombela Stadium on Saturday, July 19, was given a break from the field to witness the beauty of the region. With careful planning and contributions from trusted local members of the Kruger Lowveld Chamber for Business and Tourism (KLCBT) and other stakeholders, the Georgian players were immersed in a true South African experience, highlighting not only the region's natural wonders but also its unmatched hospitality. 'It was a busy time in the Park, with G20 preparations and school holidays, we made it happen,' said Chris Schalkwyk, Executive Manager at Mdluli Safari Lodge. 'But this idea came from the Lowvelder – it was truly a community-driven moment. When we were asked to assist with a wildlife outing for the team, we didn't hesitate.' From the moment the wheels started turning, the Lowveld stepped up. The following individuals and organisations ensured the experience ran smoothly, with all services sponsored to celebrate local pride and unity: – South African Rugby Union (SARU) – for initiating the opportunity and trusting local partners – SANParks (Kruger National Park) – for issuing essential access permits into the Park – Michelle Booyens-Retief of E-Coaches – for orchestrating swift, professional transport to and from the team hotel – Captain Piet Smith of the SAPS Flying Squad – for providing security escorts and logistical support during transit – Matt Louw of On Safari – for delivering an expertly guided game drive – Other tourism operators – many of whom were keen to assist, but were fully booked due to peak season – Mdluli Safari Lodge – for hosting a relaxed bush lunch inside the Park and handling all operational arrangements The team enjoyed majestic views, wildlife sightings and a taste of South Africa's celebrated hospitality – all in a single afternoon. Elephants, zebras, kudus, impalas, waterbucks, hippos, crocodiles and various birds made appearances as the Georgian squad swapped training boots for binoculars. 'This is what makes the Lowveld special,' said Schalkwyk. 'Our community understands tourism, works together and does Mpumalanga and South Africa proud.' At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
3 hours ago
- Sport
- The Citizen
Kwagga Smith urges Boks to maintain intensity ahead of The Rugby Championship
After a much-improved performance in the breakdown battle during the Springboks' second Test against Italy in Gqeberha at the weekend, loose forward Kwagga Smith says the South Africans need to maintain that standard as they head into their final match before The Rugby Championship. According to The Citizen, the Springboks will face Georgia in Mbombela on Saturday (kick-off 17:10), with the 11th-ranked side having lost both of their previous meetings (2003 and 2021). The fixture follows South Africa's commanding 45–0 win over Italy at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, despite playing with 14 men for an hour. The Springboks showed a turnaround in the breakdown battle after Italy had dominated that area, winning turnovers and slowing down play during their 42–24 win at Loftus the previous week. Breakdown needed more prep 'I think the mindset against Italy at Loftus maybe wasn't up there as it should have been,' Smith said. 'After you get a beating in some departments, you go and rectify it. So obviously it was better the next weekend.' He said their opponents are 'hard people' known for their strength and would offer a similar challenge to Italy. 'They grew up in a rural country and are strong people. They have a lot of passion. Everyone wants to measure themselves against the Springboks, so it will be a tough battle this weekend. 'They are going to be physical. They are one team that never steps back. It doesn't matter what the scoreboard is, those guys will keep fighting, keep on playing.' Georgian players have personal motivation against Boks Smith said the game has special significance for Georgian players who hope to impress on the international stage and secure contracts in France or elsewhere, where several top Georgians already play. 'They want to measure themselves against us, the Springboks, because that might give them an opportunity to get a contract in France or wherever in the world. It's a huge opportunity for them to prove themselves against the best and that might open their career forward.' Smith said it was up to the Springboks to keep improving ahead of The Rugby Championship, which kicks off against Australia at Ellis Park on August 16. 'For us, it is to make sure we get better every game and it speaks for itself – the game went better after the Pretoria–Italy match. For us playing this weekend, we have a responsibility to keep that standard up and keep getting better.'
Reuters
5 hours ago
- Sport
- Reuters
Big dreams and tight budgets are Rugby Africa's dilemma
CAPE TOWN, July 17 (Reuters) - Namibia and Zimbabwe contest the final of the Rugby Africa Cup in Kampala on Saturday, where the winner will earn a place at the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia and represent a continent with big ambitions in the game but scarce resources to fulfil them. Namibia have appeared at every World Cup since 1999, while Zimbabwe contested the first two in 1987 and 1991, but have not been back since. They beat Namibia 32-10 last year, suggesting their chances are good. Namibia's success at reaching the global showpiece event is largely down to their exposure to the South African rugby ecosystem that is among the best in the world, helping to polish the country's rough diamonds. There is no shortage of passion for the game across Africa, from Morocco and Algeria in the north, Senegal and Ivory Coast in the west, to Kenya and Uganda in the east. Madagascar sees crowds of up to 30,000 supporters at domestic fixtures, sometimes more than football, which still reigns supreme as the number one sport on the continent. But taking this enthusiasm and turning it into developing teams that can be competitive on a global scale beyond South Africa's Springboks is a huge challenge. "People often ask, 'Why does only Namibia qualify for the World Cup?'," Rugby Africa president Herbert Mensah said in an interview with Reuters. "The truth is that sport is big business. Countries like England receive over 150 million pounds ($201 million) annually to fund their national rugby programs. "In contrast, the entire continent of Africa, excluding South Africa, receives about $2 million. That disparity limits what we can do. "We have over 40 Rugby Africa member nations. Air travel alone, say, from Dakar to Madagascar, can cost upwards of 2,000 dollars (per person). Development isn't just about passion, it's about resources. "We need funding to sustain age-grade competitions, develop women's rugby, and run grassroots programs continent-wide. Right now, that infrastructure is still lacking." But it is not all doom and gloom. Mensah, who is a member of World Rugby's Executive Board, says African governments are starting to see the value in investing in the game beyond the millions of dollars they generally put into football annually. "We've seen massive buy-in recently," he said. "Uganda's government committed over 3 billion shillings ($838,457) to host the 2025 Rugby Africa Cup. Morocco, Ghana and Ivory Coast have all supported events financially. "Morocco allocates more than 1% of its GDP to grassroots sport, including rugby. There's real momentum. "This shows we're not solely reliant on World Rugby. The more governments invest, the more attractive we become to sponsors. It's a multi-step strategy, first governments, then sponsors. That's how we scale the game." ($1 = 0.7465 pounds) ($1 = 3,578.0000 Ugandan shillings)
