Boks Hail A New Hero

Gio Aplon

Latest Springbok star, Gio Aplon, was the toast of the town after his stellar display against the French at Newlands on Saturday.

The diminutive flyer, 27, scored a brace of tries, his second five-pointer a scintillating runaway effort from more than 70m out.

The second five-pointer was reminiscent of the blistering pace a young Bryan Habana displayed in his debut season. With the French hot on attack, Aplon pilfered a loose pass and used his gas to smoke the defenders.

However, it was his first dot-down that was even more impressive. Aplon broke the line and bumped off a solidly built French midfielder. He then jinked and dance his way over the line.

Post-match the former Sevens star was as humble as ever and credited the cohesion in the team for his starring role.

“It’s an honour to play for the Boks and just like the Stormers, we play as a team and not as individuals, and I think that’s where the success comes from.”

“It’s a great bunch of guys in the setup and it’s a privilege playing alongside them. The likes of Jean (de Villiers), Pierre (Spies) and Victor (Matfield) made me and the other new caps feel comfortable,” he added.

Nicknamed the ‘Pocket dynamo’ for his blistering pace and elusiveness, Aplon enjoyed a solid season for the Stormers during the Super 14.

He lacks the bulk, but is a fearless defender and his instinctive skills honed during his time with the Sevens side have made him an instant hit for the Boks.

South African rugby has long been obsessed with size and the mantra of a good big player always being better than a good little player has proved a constant refrain.

However, with regular right wing, JP Pietersen out injured, Saturday’s Man of the Match Aplon is slowly changing perceptions.

“It will come up again, and that is my challenge every week, to prove to people that size doesn’t matter.”

Aplon debuted for the Boks against Wales on June 5, but admitted that his second cap was even more memorable.

“This week playing at Newlands was nicer; it’s a special place for me,” he said. “Luckily I scored my first tries of the season,” he said with a smile.

The Springboks tackle Italy in Witbank this Saturday with a number of first-team changes in the offing.

Aplon however will be hoping to solidify his starting berth and add to his try tally.

By GRANT SHUB

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