Sharks coach reveals 'big difference' that led to Aphelele Fassi's Springbok recall

Fassi earned his third cap for the Boks back in 2022 but endured a two-year spell in the Test wilderness after being told to work on areas of his game.

Having done just that, the 26-year-old earned a recall to the Springboks squad this year and after featuring on the wing in his three previous Tests, he started six matches in his preferred position, fullback.

Rassie Erasmus has backed Fassi to start key matches this year notably against the All Blacks at Ellis Park and in the Rugby Championship decider against Argentina in Nelspruit. In his six appearances for the side this year, he has scored three tries but Mongalo says that Fassi was always a force on attack but it is his unheralded work that has greatly improved.

"He could always attack, the big difference and where he grew is that he got his hands dirty and started doing the things that spectators don't always see," Mongalo told Rapport.

A notable improvement in Fassi's game has been his work on defence while his ability under the high ball has also improved in 2024.

"That's why he now gets a little more enjoyment and glory from his performances and he is only going to grow more and more in stature if he continues to work hard and do the dirty work," Mongalo continued.

"Everyone can do the fun work and score tries but it's about the work that no one sees and is not always visible on the pitch."

Back in 2022, Mongalo was the Sharks head coach for the Currie Cup campaign and he spoke frankly about Fassi's career. He stated that the full-back was at a "crossroads" in his career, adding that: "He can be the guy who plays 200 first-class games for the Sharks and never play for the Springboks [again] because of one or two deficiencies in his game that he can sort out now."

The Sharks coach has now praised the Bok star for putting in the hard yards to secure a regular spot in the squad.

"Over the last 18 months, he has worked very hard on his aerial game in order to really dominate when the opponents kick on us or when he kicks himself and chases," he said.

"Then he also worked hard on his role from the back in how a fullback closes the gate and communicates with his wingers on defence and now has a big hand in the Sharks' kicking plans too."

Fassi is one of several Springboks players yet to return to action for the Sharks following the conclusion of the Rugby Championship. The Durban-based outfit started their season with a narrow 36-30 defeat to Connacht in Galway before bouncing back to defeat the Dragons 30-33 in round two.

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