Sharks coach Joey Mongalo has revealed what Aphelele Fassi did to revive his Springbok fortunes - and why he believes the fullback can only get better.
Springbok fullback Aphelele Fassi said players such as Eben Etzebeth, Siya Kolisi and Pieter-Steph du Toit inspired him immensely to further his international career after becoming a regular in the squad this season.
With the Springboks on course to win this year's Rugby Championship, Cheslin Kolbe has sung the praises of the rising stars in the world champions' squad.
Fullback Aphelele Fassi has earned a start in the most important match of his career as the Springboks face their perennial rivals, the All Blacks, in the Rugby Championship on Saturday.
They weren't always at their best but the Springboks did enough to dispatch a brave Wales side 41-13 at Twickenham Stadium as they made a successful return to action after almost eight months on the sidelines.
Springboks head coach Rassie Erasmus appears to be considering the possibility of giving Sharks star Aphelele Fassi a second chance.