Lions bruisers ready to leave a mark on Bulls
It was a sight to behold – Ruan Venter unleashed, busting through a first tackle on the gain-line, storming forward, the tryline in sight and one defender to beat, a pack of Dragons chasing after him and clutching at his formidable frame.
Five meters out from the tryline, No 15 Huw Anderson attempted to line up the 22-year-old Springbok and Lions flanker, only to be bowled over by a clattering fend-off that had Ellis Park stunned into adulation.
“It was a lot of fun,” said Venter earlier this week at training, of that try.
“It doesn’t happen a lot, so I wasn’t expecting it. But (Rynhardt Jonker) put me through the gap. It was my first game back, so I was a bit tired – but it wasn’t too bad. I feel good.”
#LionsPride, we NEED you this Saturday. 🦁 #LIOvBUL #ForOurCity @Vodacom #URC #HitsDifferent pic.twitter.com/q7q8CjMq0K
— Lions (@LionsRugbyCo) January 22, 2025
The physicality that Venter showed in that particular moment will once again be required with that extra bit of impetus this weekend, when the Lions host the Bulls at Ellis Park on Saturday (2.45pm kick-off) in a crucial United Rugby Championship clash.
Jake White’s side are characterised by their will to dominate other teams, crashing into teams with glee to generate front-foot ball over the gain-line.
Their forwards take much pride in intimidating their opposition at scrum-time, the line-out and maul, and at the breakdown.
It is why Lions assistant coach Jaque Fourie pointed out where the clash will be won: “Upfront … always with the Bulls, it’s upfront. If you don’t stop them upfront, it is going to be a long day for you.”
It was a sentiment shared by bruiser Venter, who is looking to make another statement to keep the interest of the Bok selectors piqued.
“It is exciting and it will certainly be a challenge,” said Venter of the upcoming battle, which could see him squaring up to Marcell Coetzee, Elrigh Louw and Cameron Hanekom.
“To be physical against the Bulls, who are probably the most dominant pack in the competition, is an opportunity you can really measure yourself against. I think it is an amazing opportunity.
“One-on-one collusions will be crucial,” Venter added.
“At the end of the day, it is going to come down to, ‘He wants to dominate you, you want to dominate him,’ and you have to see who is the better man, basically … We mustn’t get too individualistic, and we must stick to the system.”
In case you forgot, it’s derby week.
— Lions (@LionsRugbyCo) January 22, 2025
#LIOvBUL #ForOurCity
@vodacom #URC | #HitsDifferent pic.twitter.com/roRjenzLjb
Venter won’t be the only unit on the field attempting to quell the Bulls. The likes of Asenathi Ntlabakanye and Etienne Oosthuizen will play a pivotal role, too, while another unit – Henco van Wyk – will do so from the backline.
‘Weapon-X’ – as the 23-year-old has been fondly christened by his supporters – is known for his belligerent play, as well as his silky-smooth skill-set.
The outside centre returned to the starting XV, alongside Venter, last week in the Lions demolition of Welsh outfit the Dragons after a frustrating injury, putting in an industrious shift.
He too is looking forward to the physicality of the day and testing himself against the northern neighbours, who are currently fourth in the URC standings – eight places above and six points clear of the Lions.
Said Van Wyk: “It is a whole different challenge this weekend against the Bulls.
“We had a nice run-out against the Dragons last weekend, which built a bit of confidence. We believe we can continue that against the Bulls … These are the guys you want to measure yourself against.”
Lions head coach Ivan van Rooyen is expected to keep the same match-23 for the crucial encounter.
It is understood that Richard Kriel will be back in the team, running out on the wing. ‘Cash’ will name his team on Friday.