Gio Aplon is small of stature at 74kg, but Stormers coach Allister Coetzee is delighted that he can bank on the right wing’s big heart for Saturday’s Super 14 semi-final against the Waratahs.

Springbok lock Bakkies Botha on Monday appeared in front of a judicial officer for allegedly dangerously entering a ruck, after which Aplon had to receive medical attention.

Coetzee on Monday expressed his amazement that Aplon was able to get up and play on.

“I have a lot of respect for Gio for staying on the field after such an impact,” said Coetzee.

“He really showed character and that is what is wonderful about the players in this team. They go to war and fight – nobody hides.”

Aplon did not just get up, but also created one of the Stormers’ tries of the season for Jaque Fourie. He plucked his own kick over the Bulls’ defence from the air, drew a defender and fed the Bok centre for the try.

While a tough and physical clash is expected against the Waratahs, Aplon’s ability as a gamebreaker can prove decisive.

The Stormers know that a huge heart beats in that small body.

“All I can say is that I’m more than happy with Gio’s contribution. He performed really well on the wing at the start of the season and adapted quickly to fullback when we needed him there,” said Coetzee.

“Gio is excellent on attack and his contact skills are particularly good. He also does not hide on defence.

“He’s a natural player with incredible pace and that’s something you can’t coach. His decision-making is also good.”

Aplon’s experience of playing fullback will also be important as the Waratahs are likely to create holes in the Stormers’ watertight defence with some well-placed kicks.

On average the Waratahs kick 27 times per match against the 28 of the Stormers. The  Bulls and Sharks are the teams that kick the most – on average 29 times per game.

“Their kicking really impresses me,” Coetzee says of the Waratahs.

“Berrick Barnes is an accurate kicker. They also have Kurtley Beale and Drew Mitchell with his left foot. That gives them options all over the field. If you can’t get through or around a team, then the route is over.

“The Cheetahs and Brumbies both tried that against us and it’s something we are aware of. Fortunately we have an experienced wing in Bryan Habana who can read those situations very well. Gio, who is on the other wing, has experience of playing fullback and then there is also Joe Pietersen.

“All three of them have the pace to be able to turn around and are also good with scrambling defence.”

The Waratahs are a physical side, but the Stormers are relishing that aspect of the battle.

“Fortunately it’s the aspect of the game the players enjoy the most due to our record on defence,” said Coetzee.

With a lot of tactical kicks expected, it’s unlikely that the Stormers will pick Fijian wing Sireli Naqelevuki this week. Coetzee said that he would like to keep his team unchanged as far as possible.

Total tactical kicks (average per game in parentheses):

Bulls 373 (29)
Sharks 371 (29)
Stormers 366 (28)
Highlanders 352 (27)
Waratahs 347 (27)
Cheetahs 345 (27)
Brumbies 342 (26)
Western Force 314 (24)
Chiefs 307 (24)
Reds 303 (23)
Hurricanes 287 (22)
Crusaders 281 (22)
Blues 278 (21)
Lions 237 (18)

Goalkicking success ratios:

Sharks 80%
Stormers 78%
Brumbies 78%
Waratahs 78%
Bulls 76%
Cheetahs 72%
Crusaders 71%
Reds 70%
Hurricanes 69%
Western Force 69%
Chiefs 68%
Lions 68%
Blues 67%
Highlanders 67%

Statistics: Verusco