Springboks: Aphelele Fassi reveals the secret to his outstanding form in 2024
Springboks and Sharks full-back Aphelele Fassi has given credit to his coaches and senior team-mates for his excellent form at both club and international level in 2024.
Fassi has been one of the Springboks’ success stories this year and after starting this year’s international season on the fringes of the world champions’ starting line-up, he finished their triumphant Rugby Championship campaign as their first choice full-back.
The 26-year-old’s brilliant form is not restricted to his performances for South Africa, however, as he has also done well at club level and on Saturday he walked off with the official man-of-the-match award after the Sharks‘ United Rugby Championship victory over the defending champions, Glasgow Warriors.
Proud of his achievements
Speaking on the Behind the Ruck podcast, former Springboks centre Juan de Jongh asked Fassi how he feels about what he has achieved this year and replied: “I’m proud, really, I won’t lie. I think, when I started, before I joined the Boks, it was always URC.
“And then, obviously, your goals are quite different then. And then when I got the opportunity to join the Boks, you know, your goals change as well.
“And I always say it’s a mindset thing. And then I think for me now, coming back into this two weeks, it’s just being able to stay consistent in what I do, my prep, how I play and just how I am, you know, when I’m not here and with the Boks.
“So I don’t try to change much into my game and myself.”
Fassi made his Springboks debut in 2021 against Georgia and went on to make two more appearances that year before being dropped and spent the next two years in the international wilderness.
He was one of the Sharks’ stars during their triumphant 2023/24 Challenge Cup campaign and his superb performances at club level earned him a Test recall where the influence of his coaches and senior team-mates have made a big impact on him.
“I think I would say credit to the coaches because the confidence that they give you during the week and the players, you know, it speaks volumes,” said Fassi.
“So, when you go out there, you’re free, man.
“You know what? You’re not worried about making mistakes and everything, you know? So, we work a lot with, like, Willie (le Roux), Handre (Pollard), Lukhanyo (Am), (Makazole) Mapimpi.
“We, you know, the way that they understand the game and the way that they bring it towards, like, me, Sacha (Feinberg-Mgomezulu), the youngsters, you know, when you go out there, it’s just like, now, go out and play, you know?
“So, it’s nice, yeah.”
Surprised by Springboks recall
He admitted that his recall to Springboks squad earlier this year caught him by surprise but being back in that environment was an exhilarating feeling for him.
“I felt free. You know, I was surprised when, like I said, I got invited into the (Springboks) group chat and I was like, yes, you know?,” he added.
“And waiting for my tickets and, yeah, when I got there, excited. You know, like I said, setting goals. I never thought that I’ll play six games out of the ten that has been played (in 2024).
