Damian Willemse and Aphelele Fassi: Two Springboks Stars Come to Blows During Sharks vs Stormers

• Two South African rugby stars, Damian Willemse and Aphelele Fassi, were spotted battling out with each other during the Sharks clash with the Stormers
• The Springboks duo were seen defending their respective teams despite being teammates in the national team, and they play the same position
• The footage of the clash between the two Boks players sparked mixed reactions from rugby fans on social media after the video went viral

A video showing Springboks teammates Damian Willemse and Aphelele Fassi, who represent the Stormers and Sharks, respectively, clashing on the field has quickly gained traction on social media. The two clubs faced off in a Durban derby last weekend, with the home side emerging victorious, 36-24.

The duo are known to be battling for the same position in Rassie Erasmus' squad. When Fassi was injured during the 2025 season for the Springboks, Willemse was called up to replace him for the match against Argentina in Durban.

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Willemse also impressed in the absence of Fassi during South Africa's resounding 43-10 victory over the All Blacks of New Zealand in 2025.

Fassi and Willemse came to blows

In footage shared on the Sharks’ Instagram, Aphelele Fassi and Stormers’ Damian Willemse were captured in a tense confrontation during the match. Both players, who sport the number 15 jersey, were seen pushing and exchanging heated words as teammates rushed in to break up the scuffle.

The Sharks captioned the clip: “When it’s a derby, emotions run high.”

Here is what fans are saying about the clash between the two Springbok stars during the derby.

Kirk Lawler said:

"Good on them, show the fire..."

Keshabarrow mentioned:

"Alignment camp is gonna be so exciting lol."

Just Msizi shared:

"Williemse and Fassi are fighting for that number 15 position 😭"

magicmax213 wrote:

"First time seeing 2 Springboks fighting each other?"

Jadebarends94 commented:

"Sacha holding Hendricks like this isn't for us, bro 😂😂😂😂."

sthokongwane reacted:

"Love the passion, boys, 🔥🔥."

Wongalethuq added:

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"Cobus Reinach is always involved 😂😂😂😂😂, but Sacha and Hendricks photo of the year."

Number 15 battle in the Springboks squad

For many supporters, the rivalry between Willemse and Fassi is intensified by their battle for the Springboks’ coveted fullback position.

Aphelele, also known by his nickname “Weekend Special,” stressed that his actions are never intended to be harmful. Reflecting on competing for the jersey alongside Damian and Willie Le Roux.

He explained last year: “The fullback competition is healthy. As Rassie Erasmus often says, we’re all here for a reason. If you’re not playing on the weekend, you support your teammates, and if you are playing, you give it your all.”

He continued: “It’s never about putting anyone down or acting maliciously. The communication between the three of us is strong. We push each other to improve, and the rivalry brings out our best.”

Kolisi on leaving Sharks for Stormers

Briefly News earlier reported that Siya Kolisi opened up on the reason behind his decision to leave the Sharks for the Stormers.

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The Springboks captain joined the Durban-based club in 2024 after leaving Racing 92, but would be leaving them at the end of the 2025-26 season.

Source: Briefly News