Fassi handed Bok debut for Georgia test

The Boks have not played a test match since they won the World Cup back in November 2019 and despite this long absence, they have kept a strong core of Word Cup winners for their opening test of 2021.

The other two debutants for South Africa are the electric Rosko Specman and Leicester Tigers loose forward Jasper Wiese who has been named on the bench for the clash.

Fassi, who has lit up domestic and Super Rugby for the past few seasons, will start on the right wing opposed to his familiar fullback position that he’s occupied since joining the Sharks straight out of school.

“We have selected the best team with an eye on what we would like to achieve in this Test against Georgia and we believe that we have a good balance with a number of experienced campaigners and a few young players who have made a strong statement this season,” Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber said.

“Most of the players in this squad are Rugby World Cup winners, while others have been part of the national squad for a few seasons, and this will be invaluable against a team that boast the passion that Georgia exhibit.

“We are also excited to see what the uncapped players bring to the table after impressive performances for their franchises in the last few seasons. 

"Each one of them has proved that they deserve an opportunity at this level, and the commitment and enthusiasm they displayed at training has been striking.”

After months and months of local derbies the Springbok players will be itching to face another international side and can expect a physically demanding match against the Georgians. This is what Nienaber believes the side needs ahead of a demanding year of international rugby.

“We are expecting Georgia to come out guns blazing with their passionate and physical rugby, so we need to find our rhythm early on and build up a good 80-minute performance,” Nienaber added.  

“We know how big this challenge will be, but it is vital that we build a solid foundation in the next two Tests in order to refine our skill set, match readiness and ability to perform under pressure.”

Siya Kolisi will lead the side with Ox Ntche earning his second cap in the green and gold.

The test on Friday will be the second test match between the sides who first met at the Rugby World Cup in 2003 where the Springboks won 46-19.

South Africa v Georgia

15 Willie le Roux, 14 Rosko Specman, 13 Jesse Kriel, 12 Frans Steyn, 11 Aphelele Fassi, 10 Handré Pollard, 9 Cobus Reinach, 8 Albertus Smith, 7 Pieter-Steph du Toit, 6 Siya Kolisi (captain), 5 Franco Mostert, 4 Eben Etzebeth, 3 Trevor Nyakane, 2 Bongi Mbonambi, 1 Ox Nché.

Replacements: 16 Malcolm Marx, 17 Steven Kitshoff, 18 Frans Malherbe, 19 Marvin Orie, 20 Jasper Wiese, 21 Herschel Jantjies, 22 Elton Jantjies, 23 Damian Willemse.