Springboks Suffer Setback as Key Player Undergoes Surgery, Misses Argentina Match
- Rassie Erasmus' Springboks team has been dealt a huge blow ahead of their mouthwatering clash against Argentina in the Rugby Championship
- The South African rugby national team will be without one of the key players for the match against the Pumas next weekend
- The news about the player's injury and successful surgery sparked different reactions from rugby fans on social media
The Springboks have suffered another major setback ahead of their important clash against the Pumas of Argentina in the Rugby Championship.
Source: Getty Images
South Africa will host Argentina in the first round of their tie at the Hollywoodbets Kings Park Stadium, Durban, on Saturday, 27 September 2025. The second round will be held at Twickenham Stadium, London, England, a week later.
Rassie Erasmus has announced the Springboks squad that will face Argentina in their next match following their resounding victory over the All Blacks of New Zealand in their last encounter.
The Springboks need a win over the Pumas to retain the Rugby Championship title, as they currently sit second on the standings. However, they must achieve this without one of their key players.
Springboks star out of Pumas clash
Aphelele Fassi has undergone surgery following the injury he sustained during the Springboks’ dominant 43-10 triumph over the All Blacks in Wellington.
The Springboks full-back suffered the injury after being brought down awkwardly by Scott Barrett while charging down the touchline against the All Blacks.
The 27-year-old initially tried to continue playing despite the ankle problem, but his discomfort was evident, and he was eventually stretchered off, with Andre Esterhuizen coming on as his replacement.
Source: Getty Images
Despite his injury, Fassi joined in the dressing room celebration after the Springboks' emphatic win against New Zealand.
He also earned an impressive 7/10 rating despite being forced off with an injury before half-time.
The ratings below;
On Friday, 19 September 2025, Fassi underwent ankle surgery to address the damage and later shared a video on his Instagram story with the caption:
“Surgery went well, R&R now. BRB. Thank you for the wishes and kind messages. Much appreciated.”
The reports about Fassi's successful surgery sparked different reactions from fans on social media.
Reactions as Fassi misses Pumas clash
Rachel Harris said:
"He looks like he is recovering well by the thumbs up in a picture I saw on fb."
Anton Strydom wrote:
"Now he will be too hot to handle. I think that the doctors have also reset his wheel alignment and balancing. Watch out All Blacks! I pray for a speedy recovery for you, Fassi."
Wilma Palvie shared:
"Sorry for him... ankels not to ignore.. speak of experience..."
Mfundiso Gaju commented:
"What did Fassi mess up?... Is his ankle broken, is it a tendon issue?... I know his ankle was completely gone."
Beverley Heyns reacted:
"Praying for a speedy recovery and that you will be back on the field soon."
Veanne Falco responded:
"Get well soon. We need you back on ths field but rest up for now and heal... God bless you."
Eugene Sudi added:
"Now this social media hype on updating the world on everything is a lil too much. Springboks are not known for content creation. Lets just read about game results. Not who was promised braai if they score I dont know how many tries."
Meyer set for return to SA rugby
Briefly News also reported that former Springboks coach Heyneke Meyer could be on the verge of a coaching comeback in South Africa, with negotiations reportedly at an advanced stage.
The move would see the 57-year-old reconnect with familiar territory, a union that shaped the early part of his provincial career.
Proofreading by Kelly Lippke, copy editor at Briefly.co.za.
Source: Briefly News
