Its been a breakout year, maybe even a second coming at international level of sorts for Springboks fullback Aphelele Fassi .
Fassi burst on the scene and making his Springboks against Georgia in 2021, scoring in his first two appearances in the green and gold. However, he earned just one more Test cap under former coach Jacques Nienaber before falling off the radar ahead of the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
But impressive performances in the URC and Challenge Cup for the Sharks last season saw him get back in the Springboks fold and started in the first Test of the year against Wales - two years on from his previous Test.
Now, as the Springboks prepare of their final Test of the year against Wales on Saturday, Fassi will make his eighth start at fullback in 2024 after seemingly leapfrogging veteran Willie Le Roux as the Boks first-choice No 15.
The Weekend Special - a nickname Fassi earned because his surname is similar to South Africas music legend Brenda Fassie - played in most of the big matches for the Boks . He faced the All Blacks in Johannesburg, Argentina in the Rugby Championship decider in Mbombela and featured last weekend in the Test against England at Twickenham.
