Risking Gelant didn't make sense with string of home games coming up, says Stormers coach

Warrick Gelant travelled with the Stormers to Ireland to face Connacht but is unavailable due to a hamstring problem, head coach John Dobson said on Friday.

Gelant would have probably started at fullback this weekend with Dobson giving Damian Willemse another gig in the inside centre jersey. However Gelant's injury has put paid to that and Willemse will instead take charge of the fullback position - one he is comfortable with.

Dobson is also comfortable with the decision not to risk Gelant given the next round of fixtures following this Galway sojourn. 

"We had a look at conditions ... looked at this field and viewed the fact that we've got home games coming up at the Cape Town Stadium, so the risk and return of playing Warrick in these conditions, which aren't his natural habitat and doing more damage to the hamstring [aren't worth it]," Dobson explained.

He said he would rather have the guarantee that his rollicking fullback will be able to play when they start their run of home games.

The subject of Gelant and Willemse being accommodated in one team continues, but it helps Dobson that he is able to shift playmaker Willemse to fullback after having played at No 12 a fortnight ago.

Willemse is well suited for the occasion, the coach believes.

"There may be a need for clever, attacking kicks, which Damian is well suited for. He's got a great attacking, tactical boot. In terms of the conditions, Damian is as great a fullback as we would have hoped for," Dobson said.

Your DHL Stormers team that will take to the Sportsground in Galway on Saturday for our first-ever clash with @connachtrugby. #iamastormer #dhldelivers @Vodacom #URC ?? Saturday, February 26? 13h00 GMT (15h00 SAST)??? The Sportsground, Galway