Sharks assistant coach Joey Mongalo believes Springbok fullback Aphelele Fassi is reaping the rewards of his hard work on his defensive and organisational play.
Fassi’s improved defence and aerial skills in 2024 have brought him back into the Bok setup, where he is now competing with Willie le Roux and Damian Willemse for the fullback position.
Fassi scored a brace of tries in Nelspruit last week to help the Boks win the Rugby Championship. It’s been a breakout year in the green and gold jumper for the 26-year-old, after making his debut in July 2021 against Georgia and only entering this season with three Test caps.
“He could always attack,” Mongalo said in an interview with Sunday newspaper Rapport. “The big difference and where he grew is that he got his hands dirty and started doing the things that the spectators don’t always see.”
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Mongalo credits Fassi’s hard work, especially alongside two-time world champion Le Roux, for his growth. “Over the last 18 months, he has worked very hard on his aerial game… He also worked hard on his role from the back – how the fullback closes the gate and talks to the wings behind.”
Fassi’s role in organising the Sharks’ defence has also impressed Mongalo. “A fullback must manage the system with or without the ball,” he said. “Not only diving, but also the organisation from the back… A fullback is incredibly important in that regard.”
Mongalo believes Fassi’s potential is far from reached: “He could easily have had a set mindset, but he has a growth mindset… I think it’s just the beginning. There are still many Tests in him.”
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