While seasoned Springbok players were undergoing the customary self-flagellation that goes with losing a Test match, it was refreshing to see the effects of being a new Bok on Charl McLeod yesterday.

The Sharks scrumhalf reported for duty with an ankle injury from the Currie Cup final which hasn't completely healed, and trimmed the golden locks that have looked more of a hindrance than an aid in his heroics for the Durban side.

"I was asleep at 11pm on Wednesday when I got the call from [team manager] Charles Wessels," he said, reliving his call-up.

"For about an hour and a half my wife and I lay in bed trying to take it all in. The last six months have happened quickly and it has been an amazing journey."

The 27-year-old said the keys to his break-out year were two things: "The management team put me in the team week in and week out, and all players get confidence from that," he said.

"Also, the way the team played has suited my game a lot, so that's basically what it came down to."

With regards to his ankle, he said there was no real concern. "I tore the ligaments in my ankle but that's all better now. I'm running it off on the training pitch."