Aphelele Fassi is back, with a spring in his step

Few players possess the gliding, effortless stride of a confident Aphelele Fassi. And that’s just him in the Springboks’ hotel lobby.

A dip in confidence and injuries slowed him down but the strapping backline player has fought his way back into the Bok set-up, and the 26-year-old contends the spring is back in his step.

His confidence was low the last time he parted ways with the national team. The Boks had just lost for the first time on South African soil to Wales, and scapegoats were easy to find.

What is the difference between the “Weekend Special”, as he is often referred to, from 2022, to the one called up for Saturday’s Test in London against Wales? “Confidence. Being able to finish a campaign without any injuries. That is the biggest thing, I think,” said Fassi.

“Playing five games in a row builds a bit of confidence. In the past you’d play five games, get injured and you’re out for three months. This year was about consistency and staying injury free.”

Back in 2022 Fassi left the Boks with much to ponder and a “work-on” list. “Obviously reality hit when I went back to club level,” he said.

“I knew there are certain things I needed to work on as I was told. I went back to my club and spoke to my coaches, and decided the things I was told are the things I need to work on. But I couldn’t just work on my weaknesses but my strengths as well.”

On that score, Fassi possesses virtuoso talents with the ball but without it, his presence at times is virtual.

Naturally, being jettisoned from the national team seeds insecurities. “Doubt does creep in. That is how you lose confidence in yourself.

“Having a good family behind me, the support system at the Sharks, the coaching staff and players, they tend to lift you up, get you to start believing in yourself. That is what happened to me. I got that support and it was massive for me — and my mind automatically changed.”

Everyone is willing to work hard to get ready for Wales and then get back for Ireland. Anyone picked in that team is willing to die for the badge and for our country when we play against Ireland

—  Aphelele Fassi

He is appreciative of the influence of Sharks’ defence coach Joey Mongalo and the team’s senior players. “Coach Joey has been massive in my journey to here and building my confidence.

“Surrounding yourself with the mature players, you tend to learn a lot. Taking information and applying it. You can’t be the same. I can’t be the same 20-year-old that rocked up into the Sharks.”

In that regard, he is more of a team man than meets the eye. Though some of his best creations are the fruits of impulse, Fassi gets his biggest thrills from a plan that comes together. “I’m a very passionate guy. If we worked on a thing in the week and it comes off you totally show emotion afterwards.”

Fassi has played all his three Tests on the left-wing but is not sure what the coaches’ plans are  yet. “In any team that I am, I’m just there to help. If they put me as lock I’d be there to play.”

With injuries ruling out Kurt-Lee Arendse, Canan Moodie and Cheslin Kolbe yet to be declared fit for the Wales game, Fassi — who plays mostly fullback for the Sharks — may find himself back on the wing.

If the Bulls get knocked out of the URC, Willie le Roux might well return to fullback in the absence of Damian Willemse.

The Test against Wales, while important in getting the World Champions on the front foot, is an appetiser for the two-Test series against Ireland. Those who crack the nod against Wales will want to hold on to the jersey.

“Everyone is willing to work hard to get ready for Wales and then get back for Ireland. Anyone picked in that team is willing to die for the badge and for our country when we play against Ireland.”