Springboks: Aphelele Fassi on the secret to their exceptional form in 2024 – Planet Rugby

Springboks and Sharks winger Aphelele Fassi has credited his coaches and senior teammates 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 ended his triumphant Rugby Championship campaign as a defender first choice

The 26-year-old’s sparkling form is not limited to his performances in South Africa, however, as he has also done well at club level and walked away with the official man of the match award after the Sharks on Saturday . United Rugby Championship win over defending champions Glasgow Warriors.

Proud of his achievements

Talking about it Behind the Ruck podcast, former Springboks center Juan de Jongh asked Fassi how he feels about what he has achieved this year and he replied: “I’m proud, really, I’m not going to lie. I think when I started, before I got into the Boks, it was always URC.

“And then obviously your goals are very different. And when I got the chance 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, going back to these two weeks, it’s just being able to stay consistent in what I do, my preparation, how I play and how I am, you know , when I’m not here and with the Boks.

“So I don’t try to change my game and myself too much.”

Fassi made his debut for the Springboks in 2021 against Georgia and made three more appearances that year before being dropped and spending the next two years in the international wild.

He was one of the Sharks’ stars during their triumphant 2023/24 Challenge Cup campaign and his excellent performances at club level earned him a Test memory where the influence of his coaches and senior team-mates they have had a great impact on him.

“I think I would say credit to the coaches because the confidence they give you during the week and the players, you know, it speaks volumes,” Fassi said.

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“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 Willie (le Roux), Handre (Pollard), Lukhanyo (Am), (Makazole) Mapimpi.

“Us, you know, the way they understand the game and the way they approach it, like me, Sacha (Feinberg-Mgomezulu), the young guys, you know, when you go out, it’s like, , go out and play, do you know

“So it’s good, yeah.”

Surprised by the memory of Springboks

He admitted his retirement from the Springboks squad earlier this year caught him by surprise, but returning to this environment was an exhilarating feeling for him.

“I felt free. You know, I was surprised when, like I said, I got invited to the group chat (Springboks) and I said, yeah, you know? “, he added.

“And waiting for my tickets and, yes, when I got there, excited. You know, like I said, set goals. I never thought that I will play six games out of the ten that have been played (in 2024).

“But I think the group itself, like looking at Eben (Etzebeth) and Pieter-Steph (du Toit), hard-working guys. So, you know, Siya (Kolisi), you want to be at the highest level where they are. And yes they drive you

“I think the coaching staff is very, very determined to get the best out of you as a player. So when this opportunity presented itself, I said, “I want to grab it with both hands.”

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