Springboks put faith in 'Bogeyman' Warrick Gelant: 'He can turn stones into bread on the field'

Springbok assistant coach Mzwandile Stick reassured fans of the maverick former Stormers fullback that Warrick Gelant would be given the freedom to display his many talents at wing against the Wallabies on Saturday.

Gelant, nicknamed the "Bogeyman", is the fourth player starting at right wing for the Springboks this season after Cheslin Kolbe, Kurt-Lee Arendse and Jesse Kriel.

Stick backed Gelant to bring what he’s known for, especially in concert with fullback Damian Willemse, despite playing in the often rigid, kick-friendly Springbok game plan.

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"We can’t restrict a player from performing at his best," Stick said.

"Yes, we’ve got a game plan and a system of how we want to do things but the players know very well that they can always bring their X-factor.

"What makes Warrick Gelant the player he is, you should never leave that behind. He’s got all the freedom on what he wants to do on the field and the support of his teammates around him.

"Him and Damian Willemse playing together at the Stormers is going to be an advantage.

"We want and pray that Warrick and Damian Willemse will bring what makes them special. We are in a good position in that sense."

The France-bound fullback had a storming United Rugby Championship (URC) for the Capetonian champions.

Although he’s done most of his damage from fullback, he is the type to manufacture space in the tightest areas of the field, a handy, canny ability that the Boks hope to exploit come Saturday (07:30 kick-off).

Gelant can, however, be prone to the odd mistake as he is not a risk averse player, something that might rankle with head coach Jacques Nienaber if it doesn’t come off.

However, Stick was