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Venter urges Boks to run the ball

London - New Springbok centre Francois Venter wants his team to employ an expansive style of play in their remaining matches on their end-of-year tour of Europe.

Venter believes the Boks kicked too much possession away in Saturday's 37-21 defeat to England at Twickenham.

"We didn't play rugby in the first half," he said.

"There was too much kicking. When we started to run the ball, we played better.

"And in the last 20 minutes, we were rewarded with two tries.

"We must get confidence with ball in hand. There is talent (in the squad). England ran the ball and scored tries."

Venter admitted, however, that the Boks must improve on defence after England outscored them by four tries to two.

Jonny May scored a try thanks to a back-line move from a line-out and Ben Youngs found space around the fringes of rucks to create five-pointers for George Ford and Owen Farrell.

England's fourth try was scored by Courtney Lawes after the Boks failed to master a high ball.

"There are plenty of aspects of the game in which we are average," added Venter.

"We must work on that.

"We did well in the tight phases, but couldn't handle the pressure which their high balls created.

"The first try which we conceded was the back-line's fault."

Venter believes the Boks desperately need a victory to boost morale in their camp.

They face Italy in Florence on Saturday and the Azzurri will fancy their chances against a Bok team who have lost their aura.

"As soon as you win, a spirit of brotherhood sets in and then you believe in the player next to you," explained Venter.

"The heart is there, everything is there. We must just improve our form."

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