Lions prop Boan Venter says playing against Bulls “mates” presents a “completely different challenge” at Loftus on Saturday.
The Pride head to Pretoria for the Jukskei derby looking to maintain their unbeaten start to the URC after home wins against Leinster and the Ospreys.
“It’s definitely a bit more personal,” said Venter, who joined the Lions from Edinburgh this 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.”
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The Bulls began their campaign with a convincing win against Zebra in Parma before slipping up against Munster in Limerick last week.
“Their set-piece is going strong as always,” Venter said. “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.”
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Venter has earned 10 Test caps, and started at loosehead for the Springboks in wins against Scotland and Argentina this year.
“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.”
Photo: Daniel Hlongwane/Gallo Images
The post Boan: Jukskei derby is personal appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Lions prop Boan Venter says playing against Bulls “mates” presents a “completely different challenge” at Loftus on Saturday.
The post Boan: Jukskei derby is personal appeared first on SA Rugby magazine. Read More
