“I Love Him” – Dobson Slams “Hatred” Toward Gelant
DHL Stormers Director of Rugby John Dobson hailed Warrick Gelant’s “world-class rugby brain” following a dominant win over Edinburgh.
Despite outside criticism, Gelant’s three second-half try involvements secured the Stormers’ second-place spot on the URC table at DHL Stadium on Saturday.
The victory reaffirmed the Stormers’ second place on the URC table as they look determined to secure a home play-off spot.
Hailing him as an astute rugby brain will surely give Gelant a huge confidence boost, as his coach publicly praised him and his contributions – an endorsement that could help the Cape Town side’s ambition to secure silverware this season.
Gelant played a starring role for the Stormers and was hugely influential in three of their second-half tries that allowed his side to romp home comfortably in the final twenty minutes.
His pass to captain Ruhan Nel, who subsequently made the assist for Leolin Zas to score just eight minutes into the second half, was crucial – followed by two expertly timed, deft passes to Ntuthuko Mchunu and Evan Roos for them to bulldoze their way over the try line.
“We take a lot of heat because of Boogie,” said Dobson.
“But what he brings is that he is one of the best rugby brains.”
Often criticised for high-profile errors and seldom praised for his assured play, where his composure and organisational skills come to the fore, Gelant’s performance did not go unnoticed.
“We see his mistakes, but his positional play, his bravery, and his input in the game are what matter. 80% of what he brings is the unseen.”
With players slipping and the ball difficult to handle given the dew and slippery conditions, alongside Damien Willemse and Leolin Zas, the fullback dealt well with a barrage of high balls.
“He was really good tonight in tricky conditions,” added Dobson.
A member of the 2019 Rugby World Cup-winning Springboks, Gelant has seven Test caps along with 70 appearances for the Stormers.
While Dobson seemed bewildered at the vitriol Gelant received, he did not doubt the real value Gelant brings to the team’s cohesion and unity.
“Boogie gets almost a sense of hatred, but he brings a lot to this team. He is an international-level player, and he is really valuable. His game minutes are over 1000, and he is a fantastic player.”
“I love him.”
