There was hardly any dejection as the Springboks emphatically beat the All Blacks in Wellington in September.

The only sad sight was that of Aphelele Fassi in a moonboot after he came off with an ankle injury.

The injury kept Fassi out of action for three months which meant he missed the rest of the Rugby Championship and the end-of-year tour.

APHELELE FASSI RETURN BOOSTS STRUGGLING SHARKS

He returns to action this week for the Sharks in a Champions Cup tie against Saracens.

Despite the possibility of being rusty, new interim coach JP Pietersen thinks that Fassi’s experience will help him get over the rustiness.

It is a significant boost for the Sharks whose form has been patchy -at best – this season.

The Sharks have won just one of their seven games to date and having Fassi back is a huge positive.

His livewire attacking play will sharpen a Sharks attack that has looked blunt for the bulk of their campaign.

AN IMPORTANT PART OF THE SPRINGBOKS

Beyond being a huge asset for the Sharks, Fassi has become an incredibly important player for the Springboks.

Rassie Erasmus has consistently spoken highly of Fassi, backing him to do well in a starting role at 15.

In the long-term, a fit and on-form Fassi is a vital cog for Erasmus at fullback.

It won’t only be his new coach who will be glad to see him back in action, with Erasmus also no doubt delighted.

CAN THE RETURN OF APHELELE FASSI INSPIRE A SHARKS TURNAROUND?

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