Sharks coach: Not long before Fassi gets higher honours

CURRIE CUP SPOTLIGHT: Sharks head coach Sean Everitt expects to see young star Aphelele Fassi in a Springbok jersey in the near future.

Fassi, 21, once again showed how dangerous he can be on attack from the fullback position during his team's 48-40 win over the Blue Bulls in their final-round fixture in Pretoria.

"I’m very pleased for Aphelele, he’s worked hard on his game," said Everitt. "He probably hasn’t had as much opportunity from the back in the Currie Cup, but this game showed what he’s about, the class he possesses.

"He was outstanding from the back and on his counter-attack against the Bulls and we look forward to developing him into an international class fullback.

"I don’t think it’s going to be too long before he gets higher honours."

The Sharks head to Bloemfontein to face the Free State Cheetahs in their semifinal and Everitt knows that his team will have to produce a top-class effort to beat Franco Smith's side.

"The Cheetahs are a team that like to keep ball in hand, but we looked after them pretty well in Durban and we have to continue to work really hard on our defence, otherwise we’re going to be in for a long day.

"We’ve been good in that department and it’s something we can fix," the coach added.

Wing Lwazi Mvovo is the only injury concern after the Pretoria clash.

"Lwazi rolled his ankle but he seemed ok in the changeroom after the match. He’ll be assessed further but we don’t believe it’s anything serious," said Everitt.

Source: @TheSharksZA