Aphelele Fassi is facing a potential surgery that could see him sidelined for more than six weeks. Photo: Backpagepix
Image: Backpagepix
The Sharks, and potentially the Springboks, have suffered a significant setback with the news that Aphelele Fassi could be going "under the knife" due to a serious shoulder injury. The injury was sustained during last week’s United Rugby Championship (URC) loss to the Lions at Ellis Park.
Coach JP Pietersen revealed at his team announcement press conference ahead of the visit to the Bulls this weekend that the fullback was consulting a surgeon on Thursday, and a decision will be made on whether to operate.
“As we speak, Fassi is consulting with a specialist. I don’t have all the information right now, but at this point, he could be out for six weeks; if they operate, it would be longer,” Pietersen said.
The 28-year-old Fassi has endured a difficult run with injuries throughout his career. In September last year, he underwent surgery on an ankle after a heavy tackle by All Blacks lock Scott Barrett and missed the remainder of the Springbok calendar.
This year, he has also lost game time due to concussion.
The first Springbok match of the year — against the Barbarians on 20 June — is still four months away, but it will be a major concern for head coach Rassie Erasmus that his first-choice fullback is missing large chunks of rugby. For the Sharks, it is a significant blow to their aspirations of breaking into the URC top eight.
In Fassi's absence, Pietersen has moved youngster Jaco Williams from the left wing to fullback for the trip to Loftus Versfeld. While the 20-year-old has primarily played on the wing for the Junior Springboks and the Sharks, Pietersen noted that Williams has a strong background in the number 15 jersey from his school days at Glenwood High in Durban.
“Jaco is primarily a fullback; I have no worries about moving him there from the wing,” Pietersen said.
* Mike Greenaway is a senior rugby reporter at Independent Media and contributor on our Last World on Rugby podcast on our YouTube channel, The Clutch