Karoo farm in the future of Bok prop
Props are peculiar. Some of their food choices are as outré as their personalities.
Retshegofaditswe Nché has a particular preference for chocolate cake.
Springbok teammate Abram Adrian Venter has a very contrasting craving: Italian ice cream.
Venter, Springbok No.950, won’t be playing for the Lions till his national team commitments come to an end, late November.
However, he was kind enough to answer some questions ahead of rejoining the Bok squad for the one-off Test against Argentina in Buenos Aires on August 8.
Question: Your thoughts on the season ahead?
Answer: My goals are to keep improving every game and to contribute as much as possible to the team.
Q: You have been called a late bloomer, having only made your Bok debut last year, but you have already racked up a career-worth of Springbok highlights, including a test try, and wins against France in Paris, and Ireland in Dublin. Which highlights stand out?
A: Singing the national anthem for the first time in front of all the fans at my first cap is for sure the one memory that stands out the most for me. It was an unreal experience, filled with pride and emotion.
Q: You are known for your ability as a ball carrier as much as your strength in the set-pieces, and you also have an eye for a try – you were the first Edinburgh prop to score a hat-trick in a single game and scored on your Springbok debut. So, are you a centre or a wing at heart?
A: I don’t have the gas for either of those but maybe a centre in a different life.
Q: How easy was it to understand the accent when you went to play for Edinburgh?
A: I would say it took a good few months for the ears to get used to it.
Q: What did you love on and off the pitch in Scotland?
A: I really enjoyed my time. There are some fond rugby memories, and I made some great friends outside of rugby.
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Q: Tell us about getting to walk onto the pitch with your wife and child on the occasion of your 100th cap for Edinburgh?
A: Sharing that moment with them was very special as they sacrifice so much for me to live out my dream.
Q: Your child recently turned one, was that a factor in heading back to SA?
A: We are very family orientated and felt the time was right to come back home.
Q: Your post interviewing your Edinburgh teammates in Afrikaans was very funny, do you have a future in broadcasting or podcasting once you retire?
A: My time after rugby will be spent peacefully on our farm in the Karoo. So for now, that’s a no.
Q: There are also posts of you snorkelling with turtles in Indonesia. What travel destinations appeal to you?
A: We did enjoy travelling while abroad. It’s nice to experience different cultures and a bit of change of scenery to switch off.
Q: Your posts from a Florence trip highlight the art and architecture but pride of place seems to be the gelato. Are you a big ice-cream fan and what is your favourite flavour?
A: For sure. [As Ox would say,] salads don’t win scrums. I have to go for pistachio and berry cheesecake.
* Courtesy of @splashpr.co.za
@JanDKrugby
@rugby365com
