Looks like Gio Aplon's rugby career could be over after he injured the same knee on Friday that has kept him out of rugby for so long.
A gutsy player who arguably should have had a lot more test caps than the 17 he did get. I wish him well for the future.
Talking of the Currie Cup, has anyone else noticed that WP youngster Evan Roos who plays #7 or #8? Think this guy could be a future star.
I haven't but thanks for bringing his attention to the forum, I'll keep an eye on him if and when we have Currie Cup feed.
Yes, Aplon was a very gutsy little player. I am surprised he lasted as long as he did.
Looks like it is time to retire Gio. That body of your has taken enough of a pounding.
Ja Rooinek...I've seen Roos play 8 a couple of times. He stood out as a serious prospect for me too.
Aplon was a great player….one of the best last ditch tacklers in space. Honestly not that different to Cheslin Kolbe…these guys are almost unique to South Africa, small strong men with great agility. For years we ignored this resource or downplayed their contributions.
Breyton Paulse is another example. When defending against Lomu he managed to cut off the pass by timing his defensive run, starving the big man of the ball. And the one guy who caught Cullen from behind was Paulse.
When Zane Kircher is the starting player, and Aplon can't even make the matchday squad it is time to question your selection policy. (P.s It was Meyer who was the Bok coach in Aplon's best years).
Many people were calling for his inclusion into the Bok squad, but some preferred SideShow Bob who was a few centimeters taller.
Aplon was a very good player. He was elusive but very strong. These coloureds can be in the the 70kg range, but possess the strength of someone significanlty bigger. That's where I draw a line between being heavy and being strong. The likes of Lood and Steph are heavy and exert weight against smaller players; then you have the Jerry Collins type who are explosive and strong.
Aplon's best years fell between Peter and Meyer's tenure. He was most likely to establish himself under Peter, but was statistically off Frans and Kirchner. With Kirchner and Willie on the scene from 2012 onwards, it was always going to be difficult for him, and the former had a very strong 2012 and 2013 for the Boks. Kirchner was the premier 15 in the RC of 2013, contributing significantly to our last great attacking Bok side. It took a while for Willie to actually step up to the mark and really make the position his own. Kirchner's super rugby output also dwarfs that of Aplon. Kirchner ranked in the top 5 for assists for several seasons. His only weakness was relieving kicks on occasion, a bit like Percy with consistency at times. Unfortunately, he was always the sacrificial lamb for uneducated types - just like Morné.
Hehehehehe now it's on about Kirchner who never made the grade at test level.
But please believe DuToit, world rugby player of the year, is no good.
Hahahahaha. Amazing stuff Organhuffer.
As always, the door is open for anyone to analyse any Bok test, any Bok player right here. I have all if these games. History should have taught you to tread carefully though. If you think you know better, I'm ready for you...
