Ruan Venter is on track to return for the Lions in February next year, according to coach Ivan van Rooyen, who predicts a big role for the versatile forward with the Springboks.
Venter’s season ended in May after he was stretchered off with a serious knee injury during the Lions’ defeat to Leinster at the Aviva Stadium. He underwent successful surgery but has not played since.
The injury also scuppered plans Rassie Erasmus had to fast-track Venter into the Bok engine room, with the flank-cum-lock earmarked for the Nations Championship series against England, Scotland and Wales in July.
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Van Rooyen, though, is bullish about the 23-year-old’s progress and his long-term Test prospects.
“The initial date, I think, was around February. I think he’s tracking really nicely,” he told the media ahead of the Lions’ season opener next Saturday against defending URC champions Leinster at Ellis Park.
“He’s looking lean, looking fit, looking strong. He’s been working hard on his conditioning. Exceptionally hungry to come back in top notch [shape].
“He believes that there could be a possible World Cup opening, if not find himself similar to Krappie [Morné van den Berg] in that [Springbok] 23 consistently.
“We’re excited where he’s currently at; if you look at his injury, he’s moving really well.”
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On where the one-cap Venter fits in for the Lions and Boks, Van Rooyen confirmed he will continue operating in both the second row and at blindside flank.
“We’ve had some good discussions around it with Rassie [Erasmus] and Felix [Jones] around utilising him at four and seven.
“We’ve played him at four quite a bit. He always doubles up, but doubles up at four and seven for us.
“I can remember, pre-game, Etienne [Oosthuizen] got injured and Ruan moved to four, he had an exceptional game at four.
“He’s such a big guy that he can play four and seven comfortably, and similar to someone like Pieter-Steph [du Toit], he’s moving really well for a big guy. So ja, he’ll fill a dual role for us.”
Photo: Anton Geyser/Gallo Images
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Ruan Venter is on track to return for the Lions in February next year, according to coach Ivan van Rooyen, who predicts a big role for the versatile forward with the Springboks.
The post Next PSDT ‘looking fit’ for World Cup bid appeared first on SA Rugby magazine. Read More
