Pocket-sized Springbok winger Gio Aplon has brushed aside recent criticism of the South Africa team, insisting it all comes with the territory.

The Stormers star returns to the international fold for this weekend's Tri-Nations encounter against Australia in Bloemfontein after he was dropped for the 44-31 victory over the same opponents in Pretoria on Saturday.

His axing came despite an admirable performance in the last-minute defeat against New Zealand ten days ago - a match that saw him play at full-back.

But coach Peter de Villiers has decided to recall him, although he will have to be content with a place amongst the substitutes.

"I was disappointed last week," he said.

"Anybody who is dropped will be disappointed, but it just shows you how much talent we have in this country.

"But it also shows you it's not your right to play for the Springboks, no matter how good you play. But I'm really excited to be picked this week and glad to be back."

The match against the All Blacks, in which the world champions went down 29-22, had extended a poor run of form to four successive defeats, only ended with the victory of the Wallabies at Loftus Versfeld.

Negative sentiment was at an all-time high at that stage, but Aplon insists the team and the management never read anything into it.

"I think the Springboks are a team that will get criticism no matter how they play," he continued on www.supersport.co.za.

"But this past weekend the guys really showed what they are worth...coming from 21-7 down, the class of the team really came through.

"Every time we play we just want to improve that one per cent and we'll just become a better team by sticking together and not allowing divisions to set in.

"The team showed what they are capable of now and going forward as well. So there's no reason to worry because we know that everyone is working hard."

Asked whether he preferred playing at wing or full-back, the 27-year-old joked that he would not even mind playing at prop, before conceding: "I started out as a full-back and prefer that, but I can also play on the wing.

"In general play you usually swap between the two positions.

"At the end of the day for me it's just to get onto that field and get the ball in my hands, so it really doesn't matter where I play."

Having made his debut against Wales earlier this year on the back of an outstanding Super 14 season, Aplon has gone on to feature in every Test apart from last week's win.

His eight matches have so far yielded two tries, both coming in an outstanding display against France at Newlands, and his overall showings have raised the question of a World Cup spot next year.

"I think the World Cup is still a long way away," he added.

"I first have to concentrate on Saturday and then going back to the Currie Cup.

"Although it is in the back of your head, I know that the important thing is what you do now.

"You have to do what you're good at to the best of your ability and the future will sort itself out."