Aphelele Fassi headlines a quartet of Springboks who must seize their chance against Wales before Rassie Erasmus trims his squad for the All Blacks series, writes MARK KEOHANE.
Writing for TimesLIVE, Keohane says the Bok coach already knows his first-choice match 23 and is using this month’s Nations Championship matches to test who can step into a World Cup playoff if required.
“The rotation of the past three Tests has nothing to do with uncertainty and everything to do with giving every player a chance to make a statement,” he writes.
Keohane believes Fassi has the most pressing case to make after an adequate outing against Scotland. The gifted fullback has Erasmus’ backing, but on his home ground in Durban he must convert that faith into a commanding performance.
“Fassi was OK against Scotland. He must be better against Wales.”
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Hooker André Hugo-Venter and locks Ruben van Heerden and Cobus Wiese are under similar pressure.
“Venter, when he is introduced, must command the position, as he did for the Stormers last season,” Keohane writes. “His ball-carrying is strong, but it is his accuracy at lineout and his certainty in the basics that will get him a pass mark.”
Keohane says Van Heerden and Wiese are both good enough to play Test rugby.
“What they must show Erasmus is that they are good enough to do it in a playoff at the World Cup in Australia next year,” he adds.
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Wales may offer limited collective insight after their recent struggles, but for these four players the Durban Test carries major selection consequences.
Erasmus has given them the platform. Now they must deliver.
Photo: Steve Haag/Getty Images
The post Fassi must make a statement appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Aphelele Fassi headlines a quartet of Springboks who must seize their chance against Wales before Rassie Erasmus trims his squad for the All Blacks series, writes @mark_keohane
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