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Springboks 'Bogeyman' can 'turn stones into bread on the field'

South Africa's wing Warrick Gelant (C) and South Africa's lock Lood De Jager (R) take part in a training session at Fuchu Asahi Football Park in Tokyo on October 24, 2019, ahead of their Japan 2019 Rugby World Cup semi-final against Wales. (Photo by Anne-Christine POUJOULAT / AFP) (Photo by ANNE-CHRISTINE POUJOULAT/AFP via Getty Images)

Springbok assistant coach Mzwandile Stick claims that Warrick Gelant is so talented he can “turn stones into bread on the field” but South African supporters will settle for just tries from the wing against Australia in their Rugby Championship clash in Adelaide.

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Gelant, nicknamed the “Bogeyman”, is filling the problem wing role that has been undertaken by Cheslin Kolbe, Kurt-Lee Arendse and Jesse Kriel in recent matches and Stick is confident Gelant is up for the job.

Stick said: “We can’t restrict a player from performing at his best. Warrick is a great player and he did well in the URC for the Stormers. It’s also important to give him that freedom to show his X-factor talents.

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“He can turn stones into bread on the field. We just need to support him in his on-field decisions.

“Yes, we’ve got a game plan and a system of how we want to do things but the players know very well that they can always bring their X-factor.

“What makes Warrick the player he is, you should never leave that behind. He’s got all the freedom on what he wants to do on the field and the support of his teammates around him.

“Him and Damian Willemse playing together at the Stormers is going to be an advantage.

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“We want and pray that Warrick and Damian Willemse will bring what makes them special. We are in a good position in that sense.

“Going back to Japan in 2019 ( where South Africa own the World Cup), Warrick has done the job for us before at wing. I’m excited to see what he’s going to do tomorrow (Saturday).

“I’m glad he is finally getting his opportunity to show his wares. He’s seen what others did in that position like Cheslin Kolbe (injured) and Kurt-Lee Arendse (suspended). It’s hugely important for us to show confidence in our players and give them opportunities when we can.

“Those combinations with Lukhanyo, Makazole and Damian (Willemse), who are more settled, will suit Warrick quite well.

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“We know Makazole can fit in anywhere – he’s played for the Kings and he was one of the top try-scorers in Super Rugby back then, went to the Cheetahs and never stopped scoring tries and at the Sharks.Makazole is someone who is well settled in our team.”

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GrahamVF 892 days ago

Twelve hours to kick-off. I will stick my neck out and say that this is the game where the Boks are going to gel into the team that they have the potential to be.

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RedWarrior 4 hours ago
The reason given by Steve Borthwick for latest England setback

So England are allowed to have a tsunami whinge fest about the ref but if an Irish fan points out that some decisions hurt Ireland also they are being petulant.

Honestly some English supporters are all politeness until they lose then the claws and fangs come out.

Ok here we go, not complaints just pointing out where England got away with roul play:

1: M Smiths headbutt on James Lowe that started the fracas with Stewart. If the ref spots that in time then thats a second yellow if not a straight red for Smith. Probably worth another 14 points with England gassed so a 41-10 final scoreline?

2: Itoje's several stamps on Hansens instep in a clear attempt to damage metatarsals. Straight red or if he is lucky, 10 in the bin.

3. Currys block on Baird to create a gap that Smith used to break the line. Penalty and possession for Ireland deep in England 22 with score at 0:0.

4: The correct decision for the Cunningham South dangerous tackle was a yellow. Lowe blew it by confronting him. The ref didn't give South or Lowe a yellow. The ref couldn't give Lowe a yellow anyway as the TMO would have informed him that m Smith alone started the previosu fracas and its not unreasonable for a player to react to being headbutted.


One last thing missing from English analysis

How is coming over to Dublin acting like you own the place, committing filthy cowardly off the ball cheap shots working out for you? I mean you clearly dont care that we think your team are a crowd of a$$holes but...... rugby wise, how is riling the Irish team to focus and get the best out of themselves against such unpleasant opposition working for you on the scoreboard?


Food for thought old boy!!!!

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