In-form Hollywoodbets Sharks fullback Aphelele Fassi has his sights set squarely on helping the Durban side go as far as they can as the EPCR Challenge Cup knockouts commence this weekend.
The men in black and white face Zebre at Hollywoodbets Kings Park in the round of 16 on Sunday and, despite falling to a shock 10-12 URC defeat to the same opponents in Parma in November, are eager to right some wrongs.
“The squad is very confident after the two fixtures that we played against Ulster and Edinburgh,” Fassi said. “I think coming into a different competition like this, we know the stakes [are higher]; it’s a knockout game. Zebre is a talented team that’s going to come here with a lot of passion and a lot of physicality.
“For us, it’s about being able to manage that, putting our forwards into the right places and knocking over those opportunities. That will be very crucial for us as a team.”
The 26-year-old Dale College old boy was a standout in John Plumtree’s side’s recent URC wins and says consistent playing time has been a major reason for that after injury struggles in recent years.
Aphelele Fassi was pure magic in that Hollywoodbets Sharks win over Edinburgh 🦈✨ pic.twitter.com/aYn7CjfNwi
— SuperSport Rugby (@SSRugby) April 3, 2024
“The most important thing for me is my health, keeping fit. In the past two seasons I think injuries just got to me, I didn’t get any consistency or game time, and I think this year obviously I’ve played every game.
“On Saturday’s performance, I think it was just about being able to pull out a few tricks I had and then just being able to put the team on the front foot every time.”
In spite of his superb form, Fassi is not getting carried away with Springbok selection talk and remains solely focused on achieving with his franchise.
“I don’t think it’s [Springbok selection] something I’ve put into my head. I haven’t found myself playing consistently for two years so to play consistently this season is something I’m quite happy with.
“All my focus is here with the Sharks and trying to put the Sharks badge and jersey in a [better] place.”
Sunday’s game kicks off at 16:00.
