Nienaber on Fassi and Coetzee omissions: 'It's definitely not cheers ... it's like a pause'

Springbok head coach Jacques Nienaber explained Aphelele Fassi's and Marcell Coetzee's omission from the Rugby Championship squad, saying it was "definitely not cheers but almost like a pause".

Fassi and Coetzee were released back to their unions, the Sharks and Bulls, respectively, at the conclusion of the 2-1 Test series win over Wales.

It appears the pair failed to impress during their performance appraisal following the Boks' 13-12 defeat to Wales in the second Test, the only one of the three they were part of.

READ | Jacques Nienaber warns 'All Blacks will be desperate' despite Ireland meltdown

Fassi started at left wing in Bloemfontein, while Coetzee had the No 6 jersey. Despite Cheslin Kolbe's jaw injury, Nienaber chose to release Fassi, who scored twice in his previous two Tests.

Coetzee, meanwhile, was one of the most outstanding players during the United Rugby Championship after leading the Bulls to the final.

Instead, Duane Vermeulen, who recently had knee surgery, and Frans Steyn were roped back into the setup.

"We still have a big group and it's unfortunate for the two guys we left out, Aphelele and Marcell, to get two injured guys in to see where they are in terms of their rehab in Duane and Frans Steyn," said Nienaber in a lengthy yet detail-shy response.

"We basically wanted to look at them (Vermeulen and Steyn) before we go into the Rugby Championship and go on tour to Australia and Argentina.

"Both those players (Fassi and Coetzee) were unfortunate. Off-field, they served the team well and they understood their roles and responsibilities.

"On-field, like I said numerous times, we have performance analysis after every game and that is shared with the players.

"I don't think it's my place to discuss their