John Dobson: Warrick Gelant has one of the best rugby brains around

While Dobson concedes Gelant has made his fair share of mistakes, some of which had big impacts, the Stormers boss says the positives far outweigh the negatives.

"We take a lot of heat about Boogie [Warrick Gelant's nickname]," 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, eighty percent of what he brings is unseen.

"He's controlling things in the backfield, making decisions, putting people in the right places.

"The way he worked with Gaza [Damian Willemse] and Zasi [Leolin Zas] in dealing with those contestables [against Edinburgh] was excellent."

Dobson feels as if it is time his critics gave him the credit he deserves and stop jumping on every little mistake he makes.

"Hopefully, people will give him a bit of breathing space. I don't understand. Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu is a national treasure. People, the keyboard warriors, have been destroying him," he said.

"Boogie gets what amounts to hatred, and he brings a lot to the team. I don't think that's fair on a player who gives so much.

"It's so important for us to have players of international level.

"Guys like Warrick, Ruhan [Nel], Sinatra [Seabelo Senatla], Evan Roos, Neethling [Fouché] are really valuable and you build your team around them.

"The Springbok demands are extensive now. 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."

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