Amazing juggling skills pay off for Springboks winger in Championship opener

Springboks winger Aphelele Fassi scored a fantastic try against Argentina in their opening game of this year’s Rugby Championship.

The 23-year-old Sharks player made only his second appearance in green and gold on Saturday and scored his second international try in spectacular fashion.

Fassi got on the end of a cross field kick from Elton Jantjies in the first half and somehow managed to hold onto the ball to score in the corner.

The winger juggled with the ball several times before eventually gaining control and this try helped the Springboks to a convincing 32-12 win at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Port Elizabeth.

The hands from Aphelele Fassi 😲

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“We worked hard, but it was tough today,” Boks captain Siya Kolisi said. “This challenge was different to what we faced against the Lions.

“It was a little bit more physical, Argentina give you challenges at the breakdown and are street-smart in general play. It was all about who could execute better.

“But we have been working hard as a squad and the guys who came in gave everything.”

Jantjies kicked 17 points for South Africa in total and further tries from Jaden Hendrikse and Cobus Reinach sealed the win for South Africa while Los Pumas got all of their points from the boot of Nicolas Sanchez.

Cobus Reinach showing off some speed 💨

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Full match highlights from Saturday’s Test match are available below, and a repeat fixture between the Boks and Argentina will take place next weekend in Port Elizabeth in round two of the Rugby Championship.

Argentina captain Julian Montoya was complimentary of the Springboks in defeat, insisting his side will bring more to next weekend’s clash.

“It was not the start we wanted, but we played against a great team,” added Montoya. “We were not clinical in our game and they took advantage, so we need to work harder next week.”