Embrose Papier is now older and wiser and reaping the rewards. The outstanding form which the Vodacom Bulls scrum-half has shown this term has seen him chosen as the South African Vodacom URC Player of the Season.
His selection was determined by votes from the Springbok coaches, the four franchise coaches and broadcast commentators within his country.
Utilising his scintillating speed, Papier scored nine tries in the regular league campaign, plus two more during a Player of Match display in the quarter-final victory over Munster Rugby, while he has also delivered five assists, beaten 25 defenders and made 15 clean breaks.
His irresistible form saw him called up to the recent Springboks alignment camp, raising the prospect that his eight year wait for another Test opportunity could be about to come to an end.
The Western Cape-born No 9 was just 21 when he was first called up by South Africa in 2018, making his Test debut against Wales that summer.
He went on to win seven caps during that year, but since then he has been in the international wilderness.
However, that could be all about to change with his recall.
“I just kept working. I knew I could still do it. It was just little things I had to work on,” says the 29-year-old.
“I have become a lot calmer over the years and started making better decisions on the field.
“In the past, I used to just pass a lot and see what happens. But now I analyse teams.
“The more experience you gain, the better decisions you make. You can see when the forwards are going forward or being tackled backwards, then you know when to make the ball slow or fast.”