contents

JUAN DE JONGH

PLAYER PROFILE "I want to become a legend, I don't want to be just another Springbok or a name that no one remembers". World class center, Juan de Jongh, has got it all to be one of the world's greatest players.

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JOE PIETERSEN

HE'S WAVED AU REVOIR to France and returned to the Mother City. Why? "Cape Town is Cape Town, it's awesome to be home". We welcome Joe Pietersen back with open arms.

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THIS IS WHAT IT TAKES!

WE FOLLOW the DHL Stormers as they push their bodies to the limits, during the gruelling pre-season conditioning, in prep-aration for the Super Rugby competition.

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STEVE KITSHOFF

GONE ARE THE DAYS OF BIG FAT PROPS, enter the athlete. At only nineteen, this 120kg man of pure muscle is a rising star. "We can expect phenomenal things from Steve Kitshoff" - Allister Coetzee

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columns

regulars

VIEW FROM THE TOP

"SUPER RUGBY is definitely and without a doubt one of the toughest competitions in world rugby".

Allister Coetzee speaks out about the team's young talent, star-quality and the upcoming Super Rugby competition.

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LADY NYAGA

"WHAT WOULD rugby be without a lady's perspective? There is too much testosterone in rugby as it is. It needs a women's soft and delicate touch.

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GIO APLON

WHO WOULD have thought that a skinny ten year old would grow up to become one of the world's top finishers. Gio Aplon on rugby, life and surprises.

regulars

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welcome

DMP Team
Publisher K Lenhardt
Content Editor B Rollinson
Deputy Editor L Wallace
Art director J Till
Designer A Prentice
Sports Writer C Smith
Developers M Krog, C Pitt
Production Director J Benfield
Production B Myburgh, D Atherstone, K Peters
Contributors - Allister Coetzee, Juan De Jongh, Joe Pietersen, Gio Aplon, Steph du Toit, L Strauss

Western Province Rugby
Editorial Board G Lewis, S Lewis
Marketing B Habana

Advertising and Marketing
021 461 8790. 083 700 9925
ben@futuremedia.co.za

Published on behalf of WP Rugby, by
Digital Media Publishers (Pty) Ltd,
a division of Future Media Group,
Palms Centre, Sir Lowry Rd, Woodstock,
Cape Town, 8001
Telephone: 021 461 8790
www.futuremedia.co.za

Managing Director
KG Lenhardt
Production Director: JD Benfield
Sports Director: BD Rollinson

The top 15 regional teams in Australia, New Zealand and South Africa are about to go head to head in an 8 month long Super Rugby battle. The Stormers Mag will be bringing you exclusive news, interviews and videos on the DHL Stormer's team. We follow their lives on and off the field during their journey through the 2012 Super Rugby campaign.

Stormers Mag are proud
to bring you up close and personal with the training, players and results.

In this edition; we follow the Storm-ers in their pre-season conditioning, interview Juan de Jongh, Joe Pieter-son and Steve Kitshoff and get their take on the upcoming season. In Science of Sport we improve your throw-in skills with Tiaan Liebenberg.

Stormers Mag is released monthly with active feeds and content available on the stormers facebook app! Send us your comments via our Stormers facebook page or email:
thefans@stormersmagazine.com

Allister Coetzee speaks out about the team's young talent, star-quality and the upcoming Super Rugby Competition.

Super Rugby is around the corner and the team is undergoing serious training. "Super Rugby is, without a doubt, one of the toughest competitions in world rugby", says Coetzee. When asked about some of the challenges of Super Rugby, he says that the duration of the competition is certainly one of them. Running from February until August, it's played over a long period.

Why else is it tough, we asked? "Well, there's no weak team in the competition and there's also a traveling element, so players are away from home for four weeks at a time. This is a challenge for any team training and playing in close proximity. The team also faces different conditions, playing in the winter of New Zealand, which is not easy. But every team has to go through it, and thats what makes the experience so unique."

"Super Rugby is, without a doubt, one of the toughest competitions in world rugby."

The team is in the technical phase now and working hard. "There are a lot of technical areas that players need to be adept in, but there must also be a special trait, a star-quality" says Coetzee. For instance, Juan de Jongh can play positions 12 or 13, understanding both roles well. "He's explosive", says Coetzee. "He's maturing both as a player and a person. Young Steve Kitshoff too. He is not a bit of a powerhouse, he is a powerhouse, with unbelievable talent."

"Ultimately", says Coetzee, "We want to win the Super Rugby competition. We've come so close in the finals of 2010 and the semis of 2011, so thats what we're working for."

2012 looks like the year of the Stormers. We have faith in the team to win this year's Super Rugby competition.

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PROVISIONAL SQUAD
The DHL Stormers Pre-Season training squad for the 2012 season currently includes the following players:

Forwards

Brok Harris
Allister Vermaak
Yaya Hartzenberg
Duane Vermeulen
Reuben Johannes
Donovan Armandt
Rohan Kitshoff
Andries Bekker
Steven Kitshoff
Wicus Blaauw
Hein van der Merwe
Tom Botha
Siya Kolisi
Nick Koster
Schalk Burger
Adrian Kritzinger
Nizaam Carr
Deon Carstens
Clement Lewis
Schalk Ferreira
Ricky Schroeder
Tiaan Liebenberg
Eben Etzebeth
De Kock Steenkamp
Nick Fenton-Wells
Hilton Lobberts
Frans Malherbe
Deon Fourie
Scarra Ntubeni
Quinn Roux
Rynhardt Elstadt

BACKS

Louis Schreuder
Marcel Brache
Tim Swiel
Bolla Conradie
Juan de Jongh
Jean de Villiers
Joe Pietersen
JP du Plessis
Danie Poolman
Dewaldt Duvenage
Gary van Aswegen
Burton Francis
Gerhard van den Heever
Peter Grant
Demetri Catrakilis
Nic Groom
Michael van der Spuy
Bryan Habana
Willem van Wyk
Berton Klaasen
Gio Aplon
Kurt Coleman

pLeaSe noTe the squad is not final and players may be added at any time. The squad will only be cut closer to the competition phase and after the conditioning and tactical phases.

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becoming a LEGEND

JUAN DE JONGH

"I WANT TO BECOME A LEGEND; I DON'T WANT TO BE JUST ANOTHER SPRINGBOK OR A NAME NO ONE REMEMBERS"

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JUAN DE JONGH WANTS TO BE KNOWN AS ONE OF THE BEST centres in the world. Today he's getting closer to that dream.

He will be even closer come the start of this year's DHL Stormers, Super Rugby campaign. Juan de Jongh believes in working hard and challenging the limits. He is a living testament to the Adidas catch phrase; "impossible is nothing". His critics were worried about his size, but he has already proved himself against some of the world's best centres.

Being able to squat over 220kg's at only 88kg's, conditioning coach, Steph du Toit, says he's got it all. Leg strength, explosive power, speed, agility and most importantly, the will to be the best. That's the kind of motivation that is superior to any physical ability.

We met up with him at the Stormers High Performance Centre in Bellville, during their intense pre-season conditioning programme, and he was as great in person as he is on the field.

Have you always wanted to be a professional rugby player?
Yes, it has always been my dream. Since I started playing, I loved it so much, I wanted to be the best in the world. I am getting closer to that dream by working hard and simply refusing to give up. We've got a great culture at WP, so it's important for me to train hard and play well. I used to watch Robbie Fleck playing on the TV and now he's one of my coaches. It's somewhat surreal.

What is the most important thing about being a professional sportsman?
The most important thing is to have discipline in the small things, like being on time; but mostly working hard and being the best you can be. Never back down and don't let your dreams go - Impossible is nothing.

And your work ethic?
It's about training hard and improving yourself all the time, even if it's a squat here and a pass there. Technical stuff is very important to me, but it's better for me to train hard and quick, than to have long and outstretched sessions.

How has training evolved and changed from your days at the Western Province Institute?
I learnt a lot at the Institute. I worked with brilliant coaches like Steph du Toit, Dawie Snyman and other great names there. As a youngster, we were having a jol with the guys; you learn little things from the guys you used to watch as a kid. That's how I grew into the person, and rugby player, I am today.

How's your mind-set?
It hasn't really changed. Since I started playing I wanted to be the best. It's just the way I am. When I put my mind to something I want to achieve it.

What is the best and most important part about your training?
We've got lekker spangees. There's a great team culture at WP. We're having fun together and improving every day. Our supporters love to see improvement. I'm just enjoying the game and the people around me. I guess, I'm living my dream.

How is the tough conditioning training treating you?
We've got great conditioning coaches. We always say "don't limit your challenges, challenge your limits". It's been awesome to see the guys work so hard to make this such a successful franchise.

Your lifestyle in one sentence:
Very very chilled.

What are your personal goals for the next 5 to 10 years?
I've always wanted to be a Springbok. I've got ten caps in the bag, but there's still so much hard work to do before I can fulfill my dreams. I want to become a legend; I don't want to be just another Springbok and a name no one remembers.

If you could do anything else, what would it be? No limits:
Skydiving, but actually I'm quite scared of heights.

What are you most grateful for?
I'm most grateful for what I have at the moment, but more importantly, my health. It's the small things in life that people take for granted. God has really blessed me with great health so far.

Secret talents?
I don't know about any secret talents...

What makes for a good bromance like your friendship with Gio Aplon?
Gio and I have been roommates for about 4 years now; we enjoy each other's company and have the same mind-set. We do a lot of fun stuff together and our PlayStation is a very important part of it!

Coach Allister Coetzee identifies Juan's stepping skills as his X factor. He understands his positions in the number 12 and 13 jerseys well and is, overall, a great player and distributer of the ball. Coetzee describes him as explosive and with good reason, "Juan will always find a way to win a few yards. He's dynamite."

FEATURED VIDEO CLICK HERE FOR INTERVIEW

gone are the days of BIG FAT PROPS
enter THE ATHLETE

"S teven Kitshoff is a powerhouse, a special player with unbelievable talent" says coach Allister Coetzee. At 19 he competes easily with props many years his senior and is comfortable playing at Super Rugby level.

Kitshoff matriculated only two years ago and is already competing against the likes of the Franks twins from New Zealand. He began his rugby career as an eighth man in primary school, but soon moved to prop in time for the U13 Coca-Cola Craven Week. Prop is the perfect position for Kitshoff as he loves the physicality of the scrums. Kitshoff says, "Every game is tough, it takes a lot out of you, so gym time and strength training is vital." Kitshoff clearly has no lack of strength or agility.

He's shown immense talent and potential during his school years, but professional rugby is totally different. When asked about the step up from school he says: "I have to look after my body much better and the training and gym sessions are intense. It's a big step up from school, but I'm loving every moment".

Steven says he looks to seniors like Brok Harris and Tiaan Liebenberg for advice on temperament and technique. However, in the strength department Kitshoff should not be underestimated, he is powerful. In terms of size, explosiveness, speed and mental composure he more than carries his weight, and he's determined and fearless.

In the modern game, which is fluid, unrelenting and unforgiving, Steve Kitshoff is the complete package.

In the modern game, which is faster, unrelenting and unforgiving, Steve Kitshoff is the complete package.

The harder you come at him, the harder he pushes himself to resist you. Don't be fooled by his good manners and calm nature - Steve Kitshoff has a fighting spirit and there is a dog inside of him.

Conditioning coach, Stef du Toit believes Kitshoff is a freak of nature, because of his age and the fact that he is ridiculously strong. Kitshoff is a player every coach would want to be in their squad. The Stormers are lucky to have him.

We've not seen the best of Kitshoff. Like all props, he will take a few years to mature - if he can be kept injury free. If his strength, physicality, running and technical ability is anything to go by, we can expect much more from Steven Kitshoff.

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THIS IS WHAT IT TAKES

FEATURED VIDEO | SEE WHAT THE DHL STORMERS GO THROUGH IN PREPARATION FOR SUPER RUGBY

30

SECONDS
WITH JOE PIETERSEN

It's been a while since we last saw you. How long were you in France for?
About 14 months.

Did you travel at all?
Well, we didn't have much free time to travel, but I stayed in a great spot. I was about 40 km's from Spain, the Pyrenees were two hours away and the French Winelands an hour and a half, so that was cool.

What was the best part of your time in France?
The new people, different rugby, broadening horizons.

Best thing about being back in CT?
It's Cape Town! Cape Town is Cape Town; it's awesome to be home.

What is your first memory of rugby?
I played my first game on my 9th birthday, and remember chasing the guy with the ball right up to his try-line without even touching him.

What were you like when you were ten years old?
I was bouncing off the walls! I think I was supposed to be on Ritalin, but my old man sorted that out.

What do you do for your nerves before a game?
I don't really get that nervous, I just put on my iPod and try to focus on what's necessary.

What's the best advice you've ever received?
I think to be the best person you can be, it's good to compare yourself to others, but if you're the best you can be, you'll perform the best you can.

Invite five people for a dinner party and make the meal yourself...
I have to cook?! I'll definitely get a braai going. I'll invite Kelly Slater, James Blunt for the entertainment, Twakkie so there won't be any dull moments, and obviously a pretty lady, so Mila Kunis, and my brother.

If you could be any TV character, who would you be?
Timon from Timon and Pumbaa.

Tell us your most embarrassing moment on the field?
Once I was playing a game and making a run for the try line with the ball in one hand and the other fist in the air... then I got ankle tapped and lost the ball.

Who was the biggest influence in your rugby career?
I will always idolise Monty, he was a legendary player. He was also the first guy to ever play with white boots, which I thought was pretty cool. Also guys like Werner Greeff, for obvious reasons.

Complete the sentence:
If I weren't right here, right now: I'd be chilling on the beach or playing guitar.

I should stop saying: "It is what it is".

I wish people would take more notice of: Poverty.

A common misconception of me is... that I'm windgat.

The ideal night out is: just chilling with friends, having a braai and afterwards going for a drink in town.

In weak moments I: scratch my nose.

If I wasn't a rugby player: I would be a musician. An acoustic guitarist slash rock star.

24 FEB 2012

FEB 2012 25

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1. SET UP

GRIP
Place your dominant hand on the ball with your fingers across the seam of the ball, which provides better grip and creates spin on the ball.
Your non-dominant hand guides the ball during the throw.

FEET
Your feet should be planted squarely along the touchline or one in front of the other, which ever stance you feel most comfortable with. Make sure you are balanced and stable.

CORE
Your core must be kept tight to enable you to generate power in the throw.

ELBOWS
Keep your elbows from spreading too wide. Make sure you keep them close to your head to enable you to generate power in the throw.

2. THROW

Use your whole body to create the momentum needed for the throw.

Your core should be tight to maintain stability and generate a powerful release.

3. FOLLOW THROUGH

Follow through, with your arms fully extending towards the target, keeping your hands up as a visual guide.

On release, your feet should still be firmly planted, weight centred and eyes fixed on the target.

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Who would have thought that a skinny ten year old would grow up to become one of the world's top finishers.

He might be small in stature, but Gio Aplon is feared on the rugby field for his fierce tackling and incisive running lines. We sat down with "Appies" and got to know a bit more about the pocket-rocket from Hawston.

GIO STATS
Date of birth: 06/10/1982
Place of birth: Hawston
Weight: 78 kg
Position: Wing/Fullback

Aplon says he was playing rugby from a young age, "It was not easy, as a youngster I was skinny - very skinny." He explains that playing for his club team in Hawston was difficult, because the field was not clearly marked due to a lack of funds. Aplon embarrassingly says that on one occasion he thought he had scored a try, but he had only put the ball down on the 5-metre line. This might not have been the greatest way to start his rugby career, but that did not deter Aplon from developing into one of the most attacking players in world rugby and a prized weapon in the Stormer's arsenal.

Aplon believes that his professional rugby career - playing for Western Province, the Stormers and the Springboks - has been a true blessing. He maintains that although he has achieved a lot in the last 5 years, his most important advice is to stay humble, "Rugby careers are temporary, one day it will be gone and if you were arrogant and prided yourself on it, what will you have to fall back on once it is gone?" He explains that he is not saying that rugby players should not work hard to improve their game and get better, but that improving and getting better at what you do should not lead to an arrogant and boastful lifestyle.

Aplon has a close friendship with Juan de Jongh, so close that de Jongh wanted to irritate "Appies" while he was being interviewed. He says that they share a healthy competition in training and on the rugby field, but they are the most competitive when they sit in front of their Sony Playstation 3. Aplon explains it as a "tense environment," and, "when someone enters the room they can sense the competitiveness." He reassures us that it does not affect their friendship and that Juan de Jongh is one of his closest friends. Aplon laughs, but does not disagree, when we call his relationship with Juan de Jongh a 'Bromance'. He says that his secret talent is making food and gives us the inside scoop on Juan de Jongh's secret talent - dancing and singing.

Aplon might enjoy goofing around with Juan de Jongh, but he explains that before a match he must be alone to calm his nerves. He details that he, most importantly, prays before a match because it settles him down and gives him perspective. Being alone helps his mind to be clear in order for him to focus on the job that he has been entrusted with on the field. Aplon tries to focus solely on the positives; how the preparation throughout the week has gone, what advice the coaches have given him and the weaknesses of his opposing number.

Gio Aplon is a humble, well mannered and dedicated professional. Let's hope that his remaining time at the Stormers will be long and fruitful and most importantly, that he will stay as humble as he is.

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