The Stormers received a timely boost today when Gio Aplon was announced as fit to play in Friday’s game against the Highlanders.
The Springbok will take his place at full-back after missing out on the start of the tournament with a knee injury. While the injury wasn’t initially believed to be a bad one, Aplon was forced to sit out their opening two games.
Aplon will replace Conrad Jantjes and captain Jean de Villiers, who leads the team out in the absence of the injured Schalk Burger, believes Aplon’s return is a testament to the strength in depth the Stormers possess. He said: “We’re in a wonderful position where we can replace one Springbok (Jantjes) with another (Aplon).”
Despite their unbeaten start to the campaign De Villiers was unhappy with his side’s performance in their 21-15 victory over the Cheetahs last week.
“We didn’t do justice to the game last week, especially as we have a duty to the spectators and viewers to entertain.â€
“We’ll try to create chances and spaces for Aplon to do well and hopefully he’ll be the one that will help us to strike form again.†He added.
The Stormers are currently well placed in the South African Super rugby conference, only one place behind league leaders the Sharks, who have played a game more.
South African International Jaque Fourie also returns to the side but finds himself on the bench, while Dewaldt Duvenhage takes the Super 15 jersey from scrum-half Ricky Januarie, who drops down to the bench.