Aphelele Fassi has overcome several setbacks in his Springbok career and said the freedom that Tony Brown allows him to express himself on the field played a big role in his comeback.
"When you come from a setback it's never easy. You have to follow your processes and not change what you normally do. So, to get the opportunity to come back to a setup like this is unbelievable for me."
"I've always wanted to grab the opportunity with both hands and never lose it again because I know that feeling of losing it again. It was just unbelievable to work with the number of coaches that we have here at the Springboks, the experienced players and also the youthful players that have been at the World Cup. And you learn a lot from them."
Fassi said that Willie le Roux also had a positive influence on his comeback and current form.
"I think there were two games where we played in Johannesburg, the All Blacks and in Bombella. And he was on the side of the field shouting and commanding what he saw and letting me know what was happening on the field."
"One thing coach Rassie always tells us is that everyone has a job to do, whether you are in the 23 or outside of the 23 and I think that relationship with me and Willie has been good,"
"We understand the plans that the Springboks are trying to build in the near future."
Fassi also said that Tony Brown's attacking mindset has benefited him in a big way to balance his vision and decision-making.
"I think Tony has given us the freedom to attack space when you see space and when you see opportunities. It is just being able to balance your game when you've lost momentum and when you have momentum."
"I think it's just being able to read what's happening in the game at a certain stage of the game and where you are on the field. I always try to put my forwards onto the front foot. I think it's just trying to have a balance with your kicking game and on the attack."