PRETORIA - Warrick Gelant’s exploits and talent may have not been enough to save the Bulls from the disasters of Super Rugby this year, but his sudden return to form will be pivotal to the team’s late resurgence.
And the 22-year-old Gelant again proved his worth with a polished performance against the Sharks last week.
Gelant’s return to form comes as no surprise after he reminded those who had forgotten about him with a five star performance for the SA ‘A’ side in their match against the French Barbarians at Orlando Stadium two weeks ago, when the Knysna-born fullback scored a hat-trick.
That performance was followed up by another standout showing against the Sharks in Durban to help his team to an unexpected win.
Gelant has attributed the turnaround in results for the Bulls, to the confidence many of their players have returned with from national duty last month.
While the Bulls' resurgence has come too late for them to mount a challenge for the Super Rugby play-offs, it will be important for the team’s future ambitions.
“I think we had this June break and some of the guys went away and came back with new confidence.
"I think, for us, it worked out and for us at the Bulls to play as a team is what we have been searching for this whole time,” said Gelant.
“We’ve changed environments and the guys who were there (Springboks and SA ‘A’) have been working hard and excited to play in those environments.
"We’ve been searching for this moment and some people will say it is the environment and some will say it is the coach ... I think the guys got some energy as they were split into different groups.
"Some guys were in Mauritius and had a great tournament (World Club 10s) which they won, the guys at the Boks were great there and those with the ‘A’ team.
"So, I think everyone coming from hard working environments, everyone came back to work for each other.”
While the Southern Kings will be wary of the threats that the Bulls as a unit will pose on Saturday, they will pay particular attention to the likes of Jan Serfontein and Gelant.
“I can’t remember a time when I scored so many tries. I claim to be a guy who assists and this is something new for me,” Gelant said.
Bulls coach Nollis Marais won’t be the only one beaming at Gelant’s form but so too will Springbok coach Allister Coetzee who will be looking at beefing up his fullback stocks with the upcoming Rugby Championship and end-of-year tour in mind.
An age group star who has played for the SA Schools, Junior Springboks and Springbok Sevens sides, Gelant, is not thinking too far ahead
“I got my chances at the Bulls at a very young age and my dreams are not thinking too far ahead. My goal has always been to play well for the Bulls because the team means a lot to me. I think a person will never be the perfect player and I must keep on working on my strengths as much as I work on my weaknesses. I strive to get better in the things I already do well but more importantly to make my weaknesses strong.”
Was a privilege to be part of this team. Great bunch of guys, great memories🔥✔ pic.twitter.com/w5iZeGBQTq
— Warrick Gelant (@WarrickGelant) June 25, 2017