FOR Ruan Venter, stepping onto the pitch of the Free State Stadium was not only about becoming a Springbok, but also about being true to himself and his family, while keeping his word.
Last year, the now 21-year-old’s father, Anton, passed away, but last Saturday, when Venter earned his first Bok cap against Portugal, he realised a dream come true, knowing that in the process he would have made his dad proud.
“It was very emotional and a very special moment,” said Venter, now back in training at the Lions, on Thursday in Johannesburg.
“It is something you dream of as a little kid. You never really think you will be there. So, to be there, in front of that (packed) stadium, it was a surreal feeling and something I will never forget.
“There was a build-up the whole week and then just being able to fulfil that promise, I know how much my father would have enjoyed watching me, for me to be there and how proud he would have been.
“It was an amazing moment for me and my family, as well.”
Venter will be the first to admit, however, that he believed his chances for a Bok call-up to be over. Earlier this year, the big flank received a red card for a dangerous tackle in the Lions’ victory over Glasgow Warriors at Emirates Airline Park in a United Rugby Championship (URC) clash.
Sitting in the stands on the day, one could see Venter’s spirit depart his body, his discernible frame sag, and a measure of anger set in as he immediately realised the consequences of the head clash with No 10 Tom Jordan. At that moment, Venter believed his chances of pulling on a Green and Gold jersey in the immediate future were done for.
He copped a four-match ban thereafter, which scuppered his chances of finishing the season with the Lions at a crucial point in the URC, and also denied him the possibility of receiving his international debut earlier, perhaps against Wales at Twickenham at the end of June.
“That was in the back of my mind,” Venter revealed, when recalling the impact the sanction would have on his career.
“Obviously, I thought that would pretty much be it for this year, my opportunity is gone now. I am very thankful that I got that opportunity. But at that moment, though, I thought that was it.”
Now having a week to digest his first appearance for the Boks – he came on as a substitute in the 61st minute in the 64-21 win over Os Lobos, replacing Phepsi Buthelezi – Venter can fully appreciate the magnitude of his achievement and the lessons learnt.
During his time on the field in Bloemfontein, Venter made eight carries and three tackles. He gained 15 metres – most from ruck carries in the five-metre area – made two passes and beat two defenders, but it will be the lessons from the experience that he takes with him, when playing for the Lions, and going forward.
“It was amazing,” he admitted.
“An opportunity like that, I didn't expect it, but I was very happy it happened. I am looking forward to it, if I get a chance again, I must say.
“Being away from it makes you hungry to get back into that system. There were massive learnings and takeaways when training with guys like that.
“How they emphasise the little things and the smallest details,” he continued, “everybody knows the details and they know exactly what they must do. By the time Saturday comes, everybody knows exactly their job and what you need to do.
“There is no confusion. There is just clarity. That is the main thing. There is no time to think about being stressed because you know exactly what you are going to do and when you have to do it. That is the main thing in that system – the preparation.
“Now it will be just about game-time and being consistent,” Venter added, regarding improving his game and earning another Test cap.
“With the Currie Cup, I am going to try and play as well as possible and then when the URC starts, flow into that.”
The Lions are top of the Currie Cup standings, ahead of the Blue Bulls on points difference. They are unbeaten in the tournament after defeating the Sharks, Pumas and Griquas, and they next face the Sharks in the return fixture at Ellis Park today (kick-off 3pm).
Venter played in the first two victories for the team – the 26-25 and 75-21 wins, respectively – before his Bok call-up, and missed the determined 25-13 victory over the Kimberley-based outfit last weekend. During his absence, Sibabalo Qoma and Renzo du Plessis put in workmanlike performances at blindside.
Now back in the matchday 23 for the Lions for the Sharks clash – while professing with a chuckle, “there are a few chirps here and there,” upon his return from teammates – Venter wants to start implementing what he has learnt at the Boks immediately.
“The Boks’ standards are obviously the highest in the world,” Venter explained.
“That is the challenge – to keep that standard, even though you are not in that environment anymore and so that you are able to lift the environment that you are in.”