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The fullback conundrum faced by the new Springboks coach

By Online Editors
Aphelele Fassi. (Photo by Steve Haag/Gallo Images/Getty Images)

Selecting a suitable fullback is certainly not a headache for new Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber.

It is safe to say that Willie Le Roux is expected to wear South Africa’s No.15 jersey when the British and Irish Lions visit in 2021.

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The 30-year-old is the first-choice fullback and will certainly be a major part in Nienaber’s squad at the 2023 World Cup in France.

However, selecting Le Roux’s backup is not as obvious for Springbok selectors.

Last year then Springboks coach Rassie Erasmus found himself in a similar predicament – as loads of suitable replacements surfaced throughout the year.

There was Warrick Gelant (Bulls), Dillyn Leyds (Stormers), Andries Coetzee (Lions) and Erasmus’ preferred ‘fullback’, Damian Willemse.

Erasmus made no secret of his plans for Willemse. The Director of Rugby was dead set on moving the 21-year-old from flyhalf to fullback despite blistering criticism.

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The 47-year-old stuck to his decision, which was ultimately a good one – as Willemse looked more comfortable operating from fullback.

This year is no different.

Many, especially Stormers head coach John Dobson, prefers Willemse at flyhalf. The 21-year-old started most of this year’s suspended Super Rugby season at flyhalf.

Willemse was not horrendous at No.10. However, his poor kicking-game and lack of decision-making made his overall form appear average.

And, as we all know, Willemse’s talent and skills are certainly far from average.

The Stormers star is a dynamic game-breaker with tremendous X-factor. It is more than obvious that he deserves a shot at that Springboks’ No.15 jersey.

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Aside from Willemse, Gelant and the cast-aside Leyds are all vying for a Springbok spot.

Gelant has been the senior playmaker at the Bulls, while Leyds has been one of the stand-out performers for the Stormers.

However, a new star has been making waves.

The 22-year-old Sharks sensation Aphelele Fassi has been a revelation and his form has certainly handed Nienaber a very pleasant ‘headache’.

Purely based on form after seven rounds of Super Rugby one could say Fassi is one of South Africa’s best fullbacks at the moment.

Out of all the fullback options, Fassi has made the most line-out breaks and top the charts with the most defenders beaten.

Fassi is not only phenomenal on attack, but he has taken his game to another level, by developing his kicking-game with the help of former Springbok flyhalf Pat Lambie.

The bonus for Nienamber is the current crop of fullbacks’ versatility makes it easy for them to cover a number of positions in the backline – certainly a worry worth having.

– Leezil Hendricks/Rugby365

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Bull Shark 35 minutes ago
Jake White: Are modern rugby players actually better?

Of the rugby I’ve born witness to in my lifetime - 1990 to date - I recognize great players throughout those years. But I have no doubt the game and the players are on average better today. So I doubt going back further is going to prove me wrong. The technical components of the game, set pieces, scrums, kicks, kicks at goal. And in general tactics employed are far more efficient, accurate and polished. Professional athletes that have invested countless hours on being accurate. There is one nation though that may be fairly competitive in any era - and that for me is the all blacks. And New Zealand players in general. NZ produces startling athletes who have fantastic ball skills. And then the odd phenomenon like Brooke. Lomu. Mcaw. Carter. Better than comparing players and teams across eras - I’ve often had this thought - that it would be very interesting to have a version of the game that is closer to its original form. What would the game look like today if the rules were rolled back. Not rules that promote safety obviously - but rules like: - a try being worth 1 point and conversion 2 points. Hence the term “try”. Earning a try at goals. Would we see more attacking play? - no lifting in the lineouts. - rucks and break down laws in general. They looked like wrestling matches in bygone eras. I wonder what a game applying 1995 rules would look like with modern players. It may be a daft exercise, but it would make for an interesting spectacle celebrating “purer” forms of the game that roll back the rules dramatically by a few versions. Would we come to learn that some of the rules/combinations of the rules we see today have actually made the game less attractive? I’d love to see an exhibition match like that.

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