Springbok loosehead prop Boan Venter is looking forward to Saturday’s Vodacom United Rugby Championship Jukskei Derby against neighbours, the Vodacom Bulls so much that he can’t help giving it the “personal” tag.
Venter will come up against some of his Bok teammates on Saturday and is relishing the opportunity, but perhaps more so that he won’t directly face them now that Wilco Louw has gone to the DHL Stormers.
Instead, he is likely to face Francois Klopper at Loftus Versfeld in a battle he is keen to put in a massive effort for, as his side look to repeat their win from last season that shocked the Bulls.
“It’s definitely a bit more personal,” Venter said as he continues his first season with the Joburg side after joining from Edinburgh at the end of last season.
“We know all of the guys personally on that side of the Jukskei. We know everyone by name, and some of them we’re good mates with.
“It’s a completely different challenge.”
So far the Lions have nine points out of 10 for the opening two rounds and have a win over defending champions Leinster to boot (although it was a very young Leinster side).
But couple that with their big performance against the All Blacks and there is a lot of confidence going into the Pretoria game.
“Obviously it does a lot for your confidence leading into the season. But also we're not trying to look too much into that. Because we know the level that we want to play at and I don't think either of those games has been that,” Venter said when asked about the confidence levels.
“Probably that game against the All Blacks was the closest we've been to a complete game in that sense. So yeah, it's a good start. We'll see if we can continue with that, hopefully so.”
Venter was relatively new in the Lions’ setup when they faced the All Blacks, but has settled in nicely since then.
“I definitely know a lot more of the guys' names now. I'm settling in, getting used to the structures and the calls and all that. That game against New Zealand, I came in for the captain's run and then we played the next day.
“So that was a bit challenging. But it's a very welcoming group of boys. And the coaches as well, really loving my time. It's very welcoming and it's easy to get going once you're here.
“I've really settled in nicely. Me and my family are in Johannesburg and I'm really enjoying my time with the Lions. We've had a good start, but I think there's still a lot of room for growth. So we're looking forward to seeing what we can do this weekend and the rest of the season.”
'FIGHT FIRE WITH FIRE'
Despite losing Louw, Venter said the Bulls would be a tough bet this weekend.
“Their set-piece is going strong as always. They are physical, and that’s what they’ve been known for for the last few years.
“We know what’s coming; we just need to match fire with fire and see who comes out on top.”
His 10 caps for the Boks have been built on a solid scrumming foundation, and he adds that he has learnt a lot from the national camp.
“The experience at the Boks is just a different class,” he said. “The guys you get to scrum against in the Springbok camp, I think that in itself gives you a lot of experience and teaches you a lot of lessons.
“It’s nice to be able to bring that back here, and work with the younger guys and keep learning so we can move forward.
“The set-piece plays a massive role, as you saw in Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry. If you get that done right, the rest just falls into place much easier.”
Come Saturday though there will be a massive set-piece battle, and Venter will be one of the players smiling in anticipation.