Gelant to start?

Warrick Gelant could get a chance in the Springbok starting team when they tackle Wales in Cardiff on Saturday.

This hint was dropped by coach Allister Coetzee at a press conference in the Welsh capital on Monday.

Gelant made his Test debut last weekend when he played the last quarter of the Springboks’ 35-6 win over Italy in Padova.

The fleet-footed 22-year-old impressed with the manner in which he kept the Italian defenders busy and may get more playing time against Wales this weekend.

At Monday’s press conference, Coetzee described Gelant as an “exciting player”.

“As far as my knowledge goes, the stadium’s roof will be closed. It will be a nice field to play on and Warrick is at his best in dry conditions. Who knows, he may again be in the picture,” Coetzee said, as quoted by Netwerk24.

Should Gelant get the chance it will be interesting to see where Coetzee picks him - fullback or wing.

Gelant replaced Courtnall Skosan on the wing against Italy but his regular position is fullback, which is currently occupied by Andries Coetzee.

The Lions fullback was by no means a standout on the international stage in 2017, but the Bok coach appears to be satisfied with his efforts.

The national coach could also opt to play Gelant in place of Skosan at left wing.

Skosan has flattered to deceive in recent Tests, with his defensive vulnerabilities - especially on the high ball - badly exposed.

Meanwhile, the Boks also welcomed hooker Malcolm Marx and flanker Siya Kolisi to the training field on Monday.

Marx sat out the Test against Italy as a precautionary measure after he picked up a shoulder injury against France in Paris, while Kolisi was in South Africa for the birth of his second child. He re-joined the squad on Sunday.

Forwards Francois Louw, Duane Vermeulen and Franco Mostert, who are all based overseas, are not available for the Wales Test because it falls outside of the international window.

Springbok team doctor, Konrad von Hagen, again emphasised that the team will give experienced prop Tendai Mtawarira as much time as possible to recover from the groin injury he suffered against Italy so that he can be considered for selection. Thomas du Toit, however, joined the squad later on Monday as injury cover.

The Springbok team will be announced on Thursday afternoon.

What rot....he had two chances to score and blew them both by being too hyped.

ah come on moz. you may be jumping the gun... the guy knows how to score tries. The one chance that comes to mind was an incredibly difficult chance at high speed. Dont be such a doosh.

Actually that is the kind of article we should reject. The. Italians were beaten to a pulp, we were getting great ball.....there was no pressure, no defensive risk. So on comes Gelant and does have a shot at gathering chip kicks for tries on two occasions. Difficult yes....but would a smart player like Elliott Daly have rung the cash register? I’m thinking yes. So why not just accept he really did nothing good or bad. Nope, he ‘impressed’. Really? We need to get past the hype and the intellectual dishonesty.

He has potential and deserves a starting point. He also brings more physicality than Leyds or Skosan. The Boks have added more power to the backs with Pollard and co, just need to get rid of Jessica Kriel. Maybe start him on the wing and then shift to outside centre and bring on Skosan. It is a pity that the Sharks winger Nkosi never got a chance this season as well

Italy and France are pretty poor....I’m not sure we have proved anything yet.

@moz h is physical, quick and runs at gaps better than any other fullback in the R S of A right now. I'd give him a decent run before making any more comments. Andries Coetzee is just a little out of his depth Willie le Roux is as consistent as lumpy custard Kolbe is a bit short in stature for an international full back Marais blows hot and cold like a McLaren air conditioner Please give us some other decent suggestions

Willie is miles ahead of all these other guys.....in many tests he was the whole Bok attacking threat. I haven’t watched much of Gelant, a few games including the CC semi which was hardly impressive. My point is he has to make his case....just as all newbies do. Enough of coronations.

Well I agree that Galant has yet to prove himself and his selection was probably premature, but Skosan has already proven that he is way out of his depth. I say give Gelant this match.