Gelant back to boost Blue Bulls

FULLBACK RELEASED FROM BOK CAMP

Released Springbok squad member Warrick Gelant has been brought straight back into the Blue Bulls’ starting line-up for their Currie Cup match against the Free State Cheetahs in Pretoria tomorrow, with coach Nollis Marais making four changes yesterday.

While Gelant replaces Manie Libbok at fullback, flanks Abongile Nonkontwana and Shaun Adendorff and tighthead prop Conrad van Vuuren are back after the defeat against Western Province at Newlands last weekend.

The two changes at loose forward are due to Jannes Kirsten having an ankle injury and skipper Boom Prinsloo having flu and not being risked for the game. Centre Burger Odendaal will step into the captaincy.

Van Vuuren is fit again after injury and replaces John-Roy Jenkinson in the front row.

Marais said he expected Gelant, who has played 18 Currie Cup games, to get quickly back into his stride thanks to the experience he has already built up despite being just 22 years old.

“Warrick is a real talent and will bring a lot of stability at the back.

“We have open communication with the Springboks and Lizo Gqoboka will probably get some game time next week, he had his first full training today, but unfortunately we can only have a tighthead on the bench,” Marais said at Loftus Versfeld.

Loose forward Jano Venter, whose signing from the Golden Lions was announced this week, is making his first appearance as he was named on the bench, alongside either Marco van Staden or Clyde Davids, both whom will be making their Currie Cup debuts if they take the field.

Warrick Gelant, Kefentse Mahlo, Dries Swanepoel, Burger Odendaal (capt), Jamba Ulengo, Tony Jantjies, Piet van Zyl, Nic de Jager, Abongile Nonkontwana, Shaun Adendorff, Ruben van Heerden, Irne Herbst, Conrad van Vuuren, Jan-Henning Campher, Pierre Schoeman. Bench: Johan Grobbelaar, Dayan van der Westhuizen, Jano Venter, Marco van Staden/Clyde Davids, Andre Warner, Josh Stander, JT Jackson.