Former Springbok enforcer Willem Alberts believes there is merit in moving Lions flank Ruan Venter to lock, but has issued a word of caution.
Having returned from a four-match suspension, Venter finds fierce competition for his place from Junior Boks star Batho Hlekani, prompting discussion around shifting Venter to the second row.
However, Alberts – himself a bruising blindsider who later shifted to the second row – warned against making the switch permanent too early in the 23-year-old’s career.
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“I think Ruan is a great player but he is still young and needs to play anywhere he can to gain experience,” he told News24.
“I think to play both positions is extremely helpful in terms of gaining new skills, because if you’re just a catch, run and bulldoze player, people can make plans to stop you.
“I think also that the ability to switch between positions really helps a player make more squads in terms of versatility, think [former Springbok] Danie Rossouw.
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“He’s still versatile enough to play loosie and be devastating with ball in hand. I don’t want him to make a move to four lock early in his career.
“I would rather see him as a seven who can help out at lock, but in preparation to become a great four later in his career when the pace goes but brute force is still there.
“In my case, the switch helped prolong my career and every player wants to play as long as possible – the switch to lock might just help him achieve that.”
Still thinking about that bump from Ruan Venter
An iconic #CarlingCurrieCup finals moment
pic.twitter.com/zBp4I57Nk7
— SuperSport Rugby (@SSRugby) September 22, 2024
Photo: Grant Pitcher/Gallo Images
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