Aphelele Fassi says he turned his disappointment at being left out of the Springbok World Cup squad into motivation to get in top shape for the Sharks.
Rassie Erasmus and Jacques Nienaber had bigger plans for the fullback, but he was dropped after an underwhelming defensive performance in the 2022 Test against Wales in Bloemfontein.
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That performance was followed by a series of injuries.
The 26-year-old had a fantastic game against Edinburgh over the weekend, and his message was clear: the “Weekend Special” has returned and is serious business.
“It was difficult to miss out on World Cup selection, but I had to accept the fact that I hadn’t played a full season and had had the same issue for two or three years,” he said ahead of Sunday’s Challenge Cup play-off against Zebre at Kings Park (4pm kick-off).
“I did not go three or four games without an injury, which results in a lack of consistency that will undoubtedly affect your chances of selection.
“I was disappointed when I was left out, but it took me two hours to realize that I couldn’t expect more. The first injury occurred while playing for SA A in Ireland, when I tore my ATL (anterior talofibular ligament in the ankle), which kept me out for 10 weeks.
“Then I played three games, traveled to Cape Town, and broke my tibia.
“I was out for another six weeks, totaling 16 weeks. I came back and played three games before the season ended.
“After that, I decided to focus heavily on my recovery, both after training sessions and matches, as well as on proper nutrition. I’m being cautious, and I’m feeling strong and fresh as a result.”
The non-Springbok players had the rare luxury of a proper pre-season after three years of nonstop rugby following Covid-19, and Fassi worked on his weaknesses with Sharks assistant coaches Joey Mongalo (defense) and Dave Williams (attack).
“Setting my goals regarding my strengths and weaknesses was a huge help,” he told me. “It was an excellent opportunity to work on the issues that needed to be addressed.
“My goal was to incorporate different elements into my game to make me a more versatile player. I benefited greatly from the hard work and influence of those two coaches leading up to the season. It has helped me improve my running and kicking skills.
Fassi’s game improved dramatically during the Edinburgh match, when he delivered a near-perfect performance that included a memorable solo try and a brilliant 50:22 kick.
However, one swallow does not make a summer, and Fassi understands that in order to be recalled by Erasmus, he must deliver consistently.
“To be honest, I don’t think about Bok selection. “I haven’t played consistently in two years, so I need to get some momentum,” he explained.
“My main focus is on the Sharks, the badge, and relocating the jersey. The most important thing for me is to stay healthy and fit.
“In the past, there has been no consistency due to insufficient or no game time, but this year I have played every game, and that is the difference.
“In Saturday’s performance, I pulled out a few tricks and it helped put the team on the front foot every time.”
Fassi added that the victories over Edinburgh and Ulster gave the team a significant boost ahead of the Zebre last-16 play-off match.
“The squad is extremely confident. We know we’re going back into a different competition with high stakes,” he said.
“This is a knockout game, and we are up against an Italian team that plays with passion.
“They will approach us with a lot of physicality. We must place the forwards in the proper positions and then capitalize on scoring opportunities.