Thu 23 Aug 2012 | 09:13
Bulls hooker Willie Wepener smashes Stormers fullback Gio Aplon

3
Comments

Here is a quick look back at a hit from earlier in the Super Rugby season, as Stormers flyer Gio Aplon learns that running into a front rower usually isn't a good option.

Aplon has scored some incredible tries in his time and is one of the most elusive backs in the game, but he is also one of the smallest professional players around, so seems to take a bit of a hammering from time to time.

He's tough as nails though, and bounces back each time, proving an inspiration to many smaller players out there. He's not part of the Bok setup at the moment, but will no doubt be very close to selection should things go wrong, or injuries occur.

This weekend Aplon's Western Province (which make up the Stormers) will face the Golden Lions in the Currie Cup, a side that Wepener actually used to play for.

Wepener is now at the Blue Bulls, and they face the Sharks on Saturday afternoon, before the Springboks take on Argentina in Mendoza later that evening in the Rugby Championship.

Before that New Zealand will host Australia at Eden Park, and the ITM Cup has also kicked off, as has the French Top 14, so there's plenty happening at the moment. As always, please don't be shy to get in touch and get involved with requests, or contributions.

3 Comments

  • willbrowne1
    12:52 PM 27/08/2012

    jesus he can take a hit, every game he takes 2 or 3 strong hits then gets up and scores or creates a try alot of respect for him

  • guy
    10:12 AM 25/08/2012

    Yeah, I was also wondering why the tackler was getting all the plaudits from his teammates. Sure it was well executed but it's not like he was tackling Lomu head on...

    A lot of credit goes to Aplon indeed. But by now I am starting to get worried that someday he will get injured for a very long time. He takes so many hard knocks, one is bound to go wrong someday.

  • barryt
    10:49 PM 23/08/2012

    Strong little guy, but a fullback? I don't think so, and even on the wing his defence is questionable! Great to see him present the ball perfectly after taking the knock though, and a serious try-scorer!