Jóhann Thormählen

Bloemfontein – The Springboks believe in their structures and it will even allow a creative player like the diminutive Gio Aplon to express himself in the Tri-Nations match against Australia on Saturday.

Aplon has been picked as a substitute in place of the injured Butch James for the Boks’ last clash in the 2010 Tri-Nations and would like the opportunity of running the Wallabies ragged.

The Boks have often been criticised for their lack of creativity and a game plan this year, but coach Peter de Villiers is standing firm on it. They believe the execution should just be better.

Aplon says there is nothing wrong with the Boks’ tactics and that it allowed him to let his feet do the talking.

“What is good about the Boks is that there is structure. But the coach still gives you freedom to express your talents and potential within that structure,” said Aplon.

He would like the opportunity of keeping the Aussies’ defence busy.

“It’s a pity that Butch got injured. He made a big impact and the responsibility now falls on my shoulders to make the same impact,” said Aplon.

“It’s an opportunity for me. It’s not a right to play for the Boks, but a privilege.”

Wallaby fullback Kurtley Beale admitted after the match in Pretoria that the Wallabies are deliberately kicking less and want to run more.

When the Boks won the title last year, they kicked considerably more than now.

Aplon says they have to be more accurate and the Wallabies have the ability to punish them.

“The tactics that the All Blacks and Wallabies have used until now worked for them,” he said.

“We just have to be more accurate in what we do. I think they showed again that if you are just 1% off what you want to do, they can hurt you. That is why we have to pick up that 1% and move from operating at 99% to 100%.

“It’s difficult to say what will work and what won’t. We should just do what we do well. It worked for us last Saturday.”