John Dobson has praised long-standing fullback Warrick Gelant’s value and influence as the Stormers push for glory on two fronts. LINDIZ VAN ZILLA reports.
Gelant played a starring role for the Stormers as they overcame Edinburgh 33-14 in a Vodacom URC encounter at Cape Town Stadium on Saturday night.
In dewy and difficult conditions, Gelant was secure in backfield and his game-breaking abilities came to the fore.
First he was crucial in setting up a try for wing Leolin Zas to get the Stormers’ noses in front just after half-time. Then he delivered two brilliantly-timed passes to put prop Ntuthuko Mchunu and No 8 Evan Roos away for further scores to seal victory.
Started it. Finished it.
In the chase for Glasgow Warriors… this matters
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The win saw the Stormers maintain second position on the URC log and focus now shifts to Toulon in the Investec Champions Cup last 16 on Saturday.
DOBBO: Stormers going ‘full-out’ to beat Toulon
Dobson, for one, believes Gelant’s contribution often goes unnoticed amidst the occasional high-profile mistake.
“We take a lot of heat about Boogie [Gelant],” Dobson said. “If you really understand what he brings, it’s one of the best rugby brains around.
“We see Warrick’s mistakes, don’t we? But his positional play, his bravery and his input into the game, that’s the stuff that really matters.”
The Stormers coach highlighted Gelant’s composure and organisation in the backfield, especially in an Edinburgh match dominated by contestable kicking.
“I’d say 80% of what he brings is unseen,” Dobson explained. “He’s controlling things in the backfield, making decisions, putting people in the right places.
“I thought he was really good tonight in tricky conditions. The way he worked with Damian [Willemse] and Zasi [Zas] in dealing with those contestables was excellent.”
Dobson admitted frustration at the relentless criticism Gelant receives from outside.
“I don’t understand the dislike of Warrick at all,” he said. “It’s almost like a hatred at times, and I don’t think that’s fair on a player who gives so much.”
Gelant was a member of the 2019 World Cup-winning Springbok team and has seven Test caps. He also has 70 Stormers appearances and Dobson stressed that Gelant’s experience is crucial in a squad built around cohesion.
“It’s so important for us to have players of that level,” Dobson said. “Guys like Warrick, Ruhan [Nel], Sinatra [Seabelo Senatla], Evan, Neetles [Neethling Fouché] are international-class players and you build your team around them.
“Boogie is out there every week, playing big minutes. That counts for a lot, especially in a season like this.
“Hopefully people will give him a bit of breathing space now. I love him as a player.”
Photo: Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images
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