The Lions could unleash a Springbok loose forward in an unfamiliar role when they host the Sharks at Ellis Park on Saturday.
The Vodacom URC resumes with another big South African derby, the Lions hosting the Sharks in the return fixture of their Durban blockbuster in January.
Lions assistant coach Ricardo Loubscher has confirmed that the versatile Ruan Venter is being considered to pack down in the engine room as the Joburg-based side looks to halt the Sharks surge.
Venter returns from a four-match suspension following his illegal tackle in the 23-22 win over the Sharks at Kings Park – a match settled in dramatic fashion by a late try from scrumhalf Haashim Pead.
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In his absence, Junior Springbok Batho Hlekani has stepped up impressively. Now, the Lions face a selection call that could reshape their pack.
“We are privileged to have both of them. We know when they have the ball in hand, they get us over the advantage line,” Loubscher said after Tuesday’s session at Ellis Park.
But the key twist is that Venter may not slot straight back into his usual loose forward berth.
“We might include Ruan in the starting lineup, with Batho then coming off the bench. We see Ruan as someone who can be utilised at blindside flank and No 4 lock, because he is comfortable in both positions. It depends on how we need him on Saturday.”
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The former Paarl Boys’ High and Sutherland High pupil earned a Springbok cap in 2024 against Portugal in Bloemfontein, and his physical edge offers the Lions a valuable point of difference. If deployed at lock, he could partner Reinhard Nothnagel – a combination the Lions have used before.
Loubscher, himself a former Bok, expects another bruising battle against a Sharks outfit on the up, but still stinging from their narrow defeat in Durban.
MORE: High-octane clash looms in Joburg
Photo: Grant Pitcher/Gallo Images
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