This is the 8th and last in the series of Stormers Squad Contenders for Super Rugby 2014. We do 2 articles per week per South African Super Rugby participating franchise.

We discuss the players IN the Super Rugby Group, and not all the options beyond that.

In this Article we look at the contenders for BACK THREE in the DHL Stormers 2014 Super Rugby group, and whether they could force their way into Bok contention.

The Contenders:

Name: Gio Giaan “Gio” Aplon:

Position Wing / Fullback Height 1.75m Weight 80kg Date of Birth 6 October 1982 Place of Birth Hawston Provincial Debut 2005 Provincial Caps 95 Provincial Points 164 Super Rugby Debut 2007 Super Rugby Caps 76 Super Rugby Points 86 Test Debut 2010 v Wales Test Caps 17 Test Points 25

Gio Aplon is a product of Hawston Primary School, Hawston High School and University of Stellenbosch (Maties).

He started his career in 2005 where he represented Western Province in the Vodacom Cup, he has remained loyal to Western Province and has represented them on all senior levels. He has been part of the Blitzbokke and made his debut for the Springboks in 2010 and was also voted SA Players Player in the same year.

Aplon is a very good player and is a huge crowd favourite. In my opinion he is one of the most illusive players too have ever played the game, he is known for pulling the rabbit out of the hat and with his extreme pace tends to cause quite a lot of problems for opposition defence. There is no doubt that he will be a regular starting player this season. With Jaco Taute however back to full fitness it will most likely be that Aplon will start on the wing and with the rumours of Aplon looking for an overseas contract, which could make this his last season in Cape Town, he will most likely go out to please the crowd and end his Stormers career with a bang.

His playing career is as follows:

• 2005 – Investec Western Province – Vodacom Cup, Investec Western Province – Provincial Amateur Competition, Investec Western Province – ABSA Currie Cup Premier Division
• 2006 – Vodacom Western Province – Vodacom Cup, Vodacom Western Province – ABSA Currie Cup Premier Division
• 2007 – Vodacom Stormers – Vodacom Super 14, Vodacom Western Province – Vodacom Cup, South Africa – IRB Sevens Series London and Scotland, Vodacom Western Province – ABSA Currie Cup Premier Division, Vodacom WP – ABSA Currie Cup Compulsory Friendlies
• 2008 – Vodacom Stormers – Vodacom Super 14, Vodacom WP – ABSA Currie Cup Premier Division, South Africa – IRB Sevens Series Dubai & George
• 2009 – South Africa – IRB Men’s Rugby World Cup Sevens, Vodacom Western Province – British & Irish Lions Tour, Vodacom Western Province – ABSA Currie Cup Premier Division
• 2010 – Springboks – Vodacom Incoming Tours, Vodacom Stormers – Vodacom Super 14, Springboks – Vodacom Tri-Nations, Vodacom Western Province – ABSA Currie Cup Premier Division, Springboks – Outgoing Tours
• 2011 – Springboks – Castle Tri-Nations, DHL Stormers – Vodacom Super Rugby, DHL Western Province – ABSA Currie Cup Premier Division, Springbboks – IRB Rugby World Cup 2011
• 2012 – DHL Stormers – Vodacom Super Rugby, Springboks – Castle Incoming Tours, DHL Western Province – ABSA Currie Cup Premier Division
• 2013 – Stormers – Vodacom Super Rugby, Springboks – Castle Lager Incoming Series, DHL Western Province – ABSA Currie Cup Premier Division, Springboks squad member – Castle Lager Outgoing Tour

Name: Patrick Benjamin “Pat” Howard:

Position Wing / Centre Height 1.87m Weight 101kg Date of Birth 27 March 1992 Place of Birth Pietermaritzburg Provincial Debut 2012 Provincial Caps 14 Provincial Points 15 Super Rugby Debut Super Rugby Caps 0 Super Rugby Points 0 Test Debut Test Caps 0 Test Points 0

Pat Howard is a product of Cordwalles Primary School and Michaelhouse.

He started his career in 2009 when he represented KZN at Under 18 level he went on to represent KZN at Under 18 level in 2010 as well before making his move to Western Province in 2011. He has gone on to represent Western Province at Vodacom Cup and Currie Cup levels. He was also part of the Junior Springbok squad in 2012.

There has been a lot of hype made by the public regarding Pat Howard. Most people want him to play at centre and others at wing. Wing seems to be the favourite position. Howard finds himself in a team with 2 Springbok centres, so maybe wing is where he should make his stand and with Cheslin Kolbe on the injury list he could well see some serious game time. When all are fit and ready to go in the team it will be unlikely that he will see a lot of game time but he will get some game time from the bench but not enough to bee judged on. Let’s hope that he uses the time he gets to change the coach’s mind.

His playing career is as follows:

• 2005 – Kwa-Zulu Natal – U13 Coca Cola Craven Week
• 2009 – KZN – U18 Coca-Cola Craven Week
• 2010 – KZN – U18 Craven Week, South Africa – SA U18 High Performance
• 2011 – Western Province – ABSA Under 19 Competition
• 2012 – DHL Western Province – Vodacom Cup, South Africa – IRB Junior World Championship, DHL Western Province – ABSA Under 21 Competition, DHL Western Province – ABSA Currie Cup Premier Division
• 2013 – DHL Western Province – Vodacom Cup, DHL Western Province – ABSA Under 21 Competition, DHL Western Province – ABSA Currie Cup Premier Division

Name: Cheslin Kolbe:

Position Fullback / Wing / Flyhalf Height 1.71m Weight 72kg Date of Birth 28 October 1993 Place of Birth Kraaifontein Provincial Debut 2013 Provincial Caps 19 Provincial Points 35 Super Rugby Debut 2013 Super Rugby Caps 0 Super Rugby Points 0 Test Debut Test Caps 0 Test Points 0

Cheslin Kolbe is a product of Simonsberg Primary School and Brackenfell High School.

He started his career in 2010 when he represented Western Province at Under 18 level. He has remained loyal to Western Province. He found himself part of the 2013 Super Rugby squad but was however not capped. He was part of the Junior Springbok squad in 2013 and has also represented South Africa at Sevens level.

Kolbe is a small illusive runner, much like Gio Aplon. He however punches way above his weight. Kolbe is still on the injury list for the 2014 season but will most likely slot back into the starting line-up as soon as he returns.

His playing career is as follows:

• 2009 – WP – U16 Grant Khomo
• 2010 – WP – U18 Craven Week
• 2011 – WP – U18 Craven Week
• 2012 – South Africa – HSBC Sevens World Series Glasgow & London, DHL Western Province – ABSA Under 19 Competition, DHL Western Province – ABSA Under 21 Competition, South Africa – HSBC Sevens World Series in South Africa
• 2013 – South Africa – HSBC Sevens World Series New Zealand, DHL Western Province – Vodacom Cup, South Africa – HSBC Sevens World Series USA, Stormers squad member – Vodacom Super Rugby, South Africa – IRB Junior World Championship, South Africa – IRB Rugby World Cup Sevens, DHL Western Province – ABSA Under 21 Competition, DHL Western Province – ABSA Currie Cup Premier Division, South Africa – HSBC Sevens World Series in Dubai and in South Africa

Name: Jacob Johannes “Jaco” Taute:

Position Fullback / Centre Height 1.87m Weight 95kg Date of Birth 21 March 1991 Place of Birth Springs Provincial Debut 2009 Provincial Caps 31 Provincial Points 68 Super Rugby Debut 2010 Super Rugby Caps 31 Super Rugby Points 51 Test Debut 2012 v Australia Test Caps 4 Test Points 0

Jaco Taute is a product of Selection Park Primary School, Monument High Shool and the University of Johannesburg (UJ).

He started his career in 2008 when he represented the Lions at Under 18 level. He has gone on from there to represent the Lions on all levels. He was also part of the Junior Springboks in 2010 and 2011. He made his debut for the Springboks in 2012 and has earned 4 caps. In 2013 he played Super Rugby on loan from the Liions, at the Stormers and was injured early in the season, which has kept him out of rugby for the rest of 2013.

Taute is a solid fullback and centre. With the Springboks battling at outside centre, he might consider moving there. This will be no easy task, as he has to compete with Juan de Jongh for that backup position, who is also a Springbok. Taute will most likely be the regular choice fullback in the DHL Stormers for 2014 and if no further injuries occur he could find himself back in the Springbok squad for the June Tests.

His playing career is as follows:

• 2007 – Valke – U16 Coca-Cola Grant Khomo Week
• 2008 – South Africa – U/18 Elite Squads, Lions – U18 Coca-Cola Craven Week, Golden Lions – ABSA Under 19 Competition
• 2009 – Xerox Lions – ABSA Currie Cup Premier Division, Lions – U18 Coca-Cola Craven Week, Lions – ABSA Under 19 Competition
• 2010 – Auto & General Lions – Vodacom Super 14, UJ – Varsity Cup, Golden Lions – Vodacom Cup, South Africa – IRB Junior World Championships, Lions – ABSA Currie Cup Compulsory Friendlies, Xerox Lions – ABSA Currie Cup Premier Division
• 2011 – MTN Lions – Vodacom Super Rugby, South Africa – IRB Junior World Championships, MTN Golden Lions – ABSA Currie Cup Premier Division
• 2012 – MTN Lions – Vodacom Super Rugby, MTN Golden Lions – ABSA Currie Cup Premier Division, Springboks – The Rugby Championship, Springboks – Castle Outgoing Tours
• 2013 – Stormers – Vodacom Super Rugby

Name: Scott Alexander “Scott” van Breda:

Position Fullback Height 1.87m Weight 96kg Date of Birth 12 December 1991 Place of Birth – Provincial Debut 2012 Provincial Caps 39 Provincial Points 243 Super Rugby Debut 2013 Super Rugby Caps 2 Super Rugby Points 18 Test Debut Test Caps 0 Test Points 0

Scott van Breda is a product of Rondebosch Boys High School and EP Academy.

He started his career in 2011 at Under 21 level for Eastern Province. He has gone on the represent Eastern Province on all levels and now finds himself at the Stormers for the 2014 Super Rugby season.

Scott van Breda is difficult to place in this squad. It seems that his inclusion is as backup fullback only and it is unlikely that he will see to much game time. If given the chance however, he could grab the chance with both hands.

His playing career is as follows:

• 2011 – Eastern Province – ABSA Under 21 Competition
• 2012 – Eastern Province Kings – Vodacom Cup, Eastern Province Kings – ABSA Currie Cup First Division, Eastern Province Kings – ABSA Under 21 Competition, Eastern Province Kings – ABSA Currie Cup Promotion / Relegation, EP Kings – ABSA Under 21 Promotion / Relegation
• 2013 – Eastern Province Kings – Vodacom Cup, Southern Kings – Vodacom Super Rugby, Eastern Province Kings – ABSA Currie Cup First Division, Southern Kings – Super Rugby Promotion / Relegation

Name: Ederies Arendse:

Position Wing Height 1.80m Weight 85kg Date of Birth 25 November 1987 Place of Birth Cape Town Provincial Debut 2009 Provincial Caps 15 Provincial Points 25 Super Rugby Debut Super Rugby Caps 0 Super Rugby Points 0 Test Debut Test Caps 0 Test Points 0

Ederies Arendse is a product of West End Primary School, Aloe High School and False Bay College.

He started his career in 2008 when he represented Western Province at Under 21 level. In 2009 he represented the Valke in the Currie Cup. He found himself back at Western Province in 2011 and has gone on to represent them at Vodacom Cup and Currie Cup levels.

Ederies Arendse will be last in the pecking order of the wings at DHL Stormers and his call-up, if at all,  is most likely going to be just as cover in case a few injuries are picked up.

His playing career is as follows:

• 2008 – Vodacom WP – ABSA Under 21 Competition
• 2009 – Valke – ABSA Currie Cup Compulsory Friendlies, Valke – ABSA Currie Cup First Division
• 2011 – DHL Western Province – ABSA Currie Cup Compulsory Friendlies
• 2012 – DHL Western Province – Vodacom Cup, DHL Western Province – ABSA Currie Cup Premier Division
• 2013 – DHL western Province – Vodacom Cup, DHL Western Province – ABSA Currie Cup Premier Division

Name: Johan Christiaan “Joe” Pietersen:

Position Fullback Height 1.80m Weight 81kg Date of Birth 18 May 1984 Place of Birth Vryheid Provincial Debut 2004 Provincial Caps 94 – (65 for Western Province & 29 for Bayonne) Provincial Points 442 Super Rugby Debut 2006 Super Rugby Caps 50 Super Rugby Points 368 Test Debut Test Caps 0 Test Points 0

Joe Pietersen is a product of Suid-Natal Primary School, Grey College and the University of Stellenboch (Maties).

He started his career in 2003 where he represented Western Province at Under 20 level. He has gone on from there to represent Western Province and the Stormers on all levels. He was also part of the Blitzbokke squad a few times and received a Springbok call-up in 2012, but was never capped.

Pietersen is not part of the initial squad and is still at Biarritz but if the Stormers pick up some early season injuries, he could ask to return to South Africa to fill that void. He is a solid fullback and has a good goal kicking record. He also possesses a good right boot.

His playing career is as follows:

• 2003 – Investec WP – ABSA U20 A Section
• 2004 – Western Province – ABSA Currie Cup Premier Division, Investec Western Province – ABSA U20 Competition Section A, South Africa – Emirates Airline Dubai Rugby Sevens and Emirates Airline George Rugby Sevens
• 2005 – Investec Wetsern Province – Vodacom Cup, Investec Western Province – ABSA Currie Cup Qualifying Round
• 2006 – Vodacom Stormers – Vodacom Super 14, Vodacom Western Province – Vodacom Cup, Vodacom Western Province – ABSA Currie Cup Premier Division
• 2007 – Vodacom Stormers – Vodacom Super 14, Vodacom Western Province – Vodacom Cup, Vodacom Western Province – ABSA Currie Cup Premier Division
• 2008 – Vodacom Stormers – Vodacom Super 14, Maties – Varsity Cup, Vodacom Western Province – ABSA Currie Cup Compulsory Friendlies, Vodacom WP – ABSA Currie Cup Premier Division
• 2009 – Vodacom WP – MTN test, Western Province – Vodacom Cup, Vodacom Stormers – Vodacom Super 14, Vodacom Western Province – British & Irish Lions Tour, Vodacom Western Province – ABSA Currie Cup Premier Division
• 2010 – Vodacom Stormers – Vodacom Super 14, Bayonne
• 2011 – Bayonne
• 2012 – DHL Stormers – Vodacom Super Rugby, Springbok squad member – Castle Incoming Tours, DHL Western Provine – ABSA Currie Cup Premier Division
• 2013 – Stormers – Vodacom Super Rugby, Biarritz

Starters:

Every article I have done on the Stormers squad contenders raises more questions than answers. At some stages it seems as if the coaching staff has thrown a number of names into a hat and just drawn the names randomly.

The starting combinations are going to vital and there are few combinations who have had time together. The obvious choice for a starting Back Three in Kolbe’s absence would be to play Pat Howard at No 11 (left wing), Gio Aplon at No 14 (right wing) and Jaco Taute at Fullback. We can also expect to see Damian dDe Allende slotting into wing at times.

The starting line-up will be very interesting. I still stand with my point that the Stormers coaching staff will have their hands full in picking a proper match day squad.

This was the last Article in the series dealing with the DHL Stormers.