Controversy Surrounds Fassi’s Yellow Card in Springboks vs. Wales Test

South Africa‘s full-back, Aphelele Fassi, found himself at the center of controversy during the Test match against Wales at Twickenham Stadium. Despite narrowly avoiding a sending-off for a kung-fu kick on Taine Plumtree, Fassi was shown a yellow card just 29 minutes into the game.

Fassi, who earned a recall to the South Africa squad after a strong season with the Sharks in the United Rugby Championship, played a key role in their Challenge Cup success. Making his first start at full-back, Fassi had previously earned caps on the wing under coach Rassie Erasmus.

In a moment of error, Fassi’s leaping attempt to field a kick led to him making contact with the shoulder of Plumtree in a kung-fu style motion. Referee Chris Busby, after a TMO review, deemed the act as lifting the leg unnaturally, resulting in Fassi being sent to the sin bin.

Former England and Sale Sharks player, Mark Cueto, criticized the decision on social media, questioning the officials’ understanding of the game. Another social media user expressed disbelief at the yellow card, labeling it as unnecessary.

While opinions on the decision varied, some, like A-P Cronje, believed Fassi was fortunate to receive only a yellow card. The TMO bunker ultimately decided that a red card was not warranted in this instance, allowing Fassi to return to the field after a 10-minute cooling-off period.