Injured Springbok star issues update following surgery

Springbok fullback Aphelele Fassi has provided a positive update after undergoing surgery.

Fassi went under the knife for an ankle injury that cut short his involvement in last weekend’s emphatic win over the All Blacks in Wellington.

Rassie Erasmus’ men endured a bruising tour of New Zealand, losing Jean-Luc du Preez (knee), Lood de Jager (shoulder) and Fassi (ankle) in the space of a week. Du Preez was hurt in training ahead of the Eden Park Test while De Jager and Fassi were both casualties of the 43-10 victory at the Cake Tin.

Fassi left the field late in the first half after pulling up in visible discomfort. He was later seen in a moon boot on the sideline as his teammates closed out a record win on Kiwi soil.

The 27-year-old has since taken to social media to confirm his operation was a success and shared a short video showing his right foot in a cast with the message: “Surgery went well. R&R now. Thank you for the wishes and kind messages.”

The update will come as some relief to supporters, but the Sharks outside back is still expected to face a long spell on the sidelines alongside Du Preez and De Jager.

The Boks now turn their attention to back-to-back Rugby Championship clashes with Argentina. They host the Pumas in Durban next weekend before the return fixture at Twickenham brings the curtain down on the tournament.

South Africa are looking to retain the title they won last year for the first time since 2019. After four rounds all four nations have two wins and two defeats, with bonus points the only separator. The Springboks trail leaders Australia by a single point, sit above New Zealand on points difference and are two clear of the Pumas.

With three frontline players sidelined, Erasmus will need his wider squad to deliver in the closing rounds if the Boks are to keep their grip on the silverware.