Lock move could boost Venter in Rassie’s plans
SPOTLIGHT: Ruan Venter’s shift to lock for the Lions may have been born out of necessity, but it could prove a timely evolution in a Springbok landscape increasingly shaped by versatility under Rassie Erasmus.
His ability to operate across the back row and second row aligns directly with Erasmus’ preference for multi-skilled forwards who can adapt within a match-day 23.
Lions coach Ivan van Rooyen first experimented with Venter at lock in 2025, and the emergence of Batho Hlekani has only accelerated that shift. Rather than a compromise, it now looks like a strategic play – keeping two physical, high-impact forwards on the park while adding tactical flexibility.
At just 23, Venter’s abrasive edge and ball-carrying power translate naturally to the engine room, where his profile mirrors the kind of hybrid forward Erasmus has consistently favoured.
In a system where lineout ability, defensive mobility, and breakdown presence are increasingly blurred across positions, Venter’s adaptability strengthens rather than diminishes his long-term value.
His recent return from suspension has reignited debate about where he best fits, but in the context of the Springboks’ evolving blueprint, the answer may not be one position at all. Instead, Venter’s capacity to shift roles could be exactly what elevates him into the national conversation.
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“I have no problem covering lock, I quite enjoy it, and I enjoy the scrums especially. So when you play lock, you can contribute a bit more in the scrums,” Venter told reporters after the Lions training session on Tuesday.
“So whatever the teams need me to be, I can fulfill that role and just try and get better because I am not as comfortable at No. 4 yet.
“Every day I am just trying to improve on that and just get the details for that role and the small things they need me to do in that role.”
Having only starred in two games in 2026, Venter only has six games left in the United Rugby Championship to make an impression and convince Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus he is worthy of another shot in the Green and Gold.
That starts against Scottish outfit Edinburgh at Ellis Park this weekend.
Venter returns to action after having served a four-match suspension before concussion halted things once more in his comeback game against the Sharks.
The 23-year-old made his Springbok debut against Portugal in Bloemfontein in 2024 and is out to add to that single Test cap.
He attended the Springbok alignment camp in the first week of March and is keen to show what he can offer on the field.
“It isn’t ideal that I missed all those games with the ban and the first game back getting a concussion, but I am just hoping for six games before the play-offs where I can go and express myself and hope for no more disruptions.”
“It’s always a massive privilege to be recognised, it means they have their eye on you. But it’s only the first step. There is still a lot of work to be done.
“Taking what they told us at the alignment and applying it to your game, and with that being said, improving your game overall.
“Because now you have alignment on what they see and what they look at, where you can improve, and what they are happy with.
“It is amazing to be part of that, but it’s not like being selected. Now I can work hard and prove myself over the next six to eight weeks.”
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