Share

Smith backs Venter to add value to Boks

Cape Town - Francois Venter can be an asset for the Springboks on their end-of-year tour, says Free State Cheetahs coach Franco Smith.

Venter led the Free State Cheetahs to their first Currie Cup title in nine years when they beat the Blue Bulls in the final on Saturday to cap of a dream season in which they finished the competition unbeaten.

Venter was one of 12 uncapped players named in the two Springbok squads - one to face the Barbarians and the other for the three Tests.

But only four uncapped players were included in both squads - Venter‚ Cheetahs wing Sergeal Petersen‚ Blue Bulls flank Roelof Smit and Sharks flank Jean-Luc Du Preez.

"Francois has been knocking on the door for quite a while‚" Smith told TimesLIVE.

"He’s a solid guy that works really hard at what he does. I moved him from 12 to 13 a couple of years ago and he asked me: ‘Do you really believe I can become a Springbok at 13?’

"I told him: ‘If you believe your junior coach who put you at 12 then it will be difficult but if you are willing to work hard then you can become a Bok.’

"We’ve worked really hard on his decision-making in the No 13 channel and it would be tough to move him back to 12‚ but he does have the ability to play both positions.

"I’m also happy for the rest of the guys in the Bok squad too‚ such as Sergeal and Uzair Cassiem (in the Barbarians squad) because the Free State has been without Boks for a long time. It will give the rest of the players here belief and confidence that the path we are on in Bloemfontein is the right one."

Smith will also be involved with the Boks in November after coach Allister Coetzee asked SARU to add the Cheetahs coach, as well as Lions defence specialist JP Ferreira, to his coaching staff.

Smith said his role in the Bok setup wasn't finalised yet.

"I haven’t had time to have a proper chat with Allister yet but we will do that in the week‚" Smith said.

"Obviously there is a lot of belief about what we have done in the Curie Cup and what the Lions have done in Super Rugby (the Lions finished runners-up).

"I believe that we (the Boks) must be the best team out there and not necessarily the best individuals. There are 12 new players that will leave their hearts on the field playing for South Africa for the first time.

"We really have to consider picking only SA-based players. Johan Ackermann (Lions coach) has also said it. Let’s get 45 players and work with them so we can redevelop new heroes for SA."

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
26% - 1154 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
30% - 1336 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2035 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE