Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus believes Boan Venter will make the most of his big opportunity against France in Paris on Saturday.
Venter replaces the injured Ox Nche at loosehead prop in one of six changes to the side that beat Japan last week.
Erasmus says the Edinburgh-based prop had earned his shot.
TEAM: Siya hits 100 for Boks, Gaza returns
“A guy like Boan has already played five Test matches for us, and again, to put him there with Malcolm [Marx] and Thomas [du Toit], we’d rather have him swim in this tough river,” Erasmus explained.
“Like I said with Zach [Porthen] last weekend, we’d rather have him there at the start to see how he manages. We really rate Boan highly. It’s unfortunate that we lost Jan-Hendrik [Wessels] to a suspension and Ox through an off-the-ball tackle.”
TEAM: Les Bleus back Bomb Squad for Boks
Erasmus admitted that leaving out several in-form players is never easy, with the Springbok depth making selection increasingly competitive.
“Certainly there were difficult choices,” he said. “Leaving a guy like Ethan Hooker out of the mix who’s really been playing well, Canan Moodie is also playing really well for us, and when Krappies [Morne van den Berg] got his chance, he played some really good rugby.
“Kwagga [Smith], Marco [van Staden] and Franco [Mostert] – it’s never easy to pick a team, but the guys know if things go according to plan this week, who’ll be playing against Italy.”
Both coach and captain celebrate significant milestones against Les Bleus. Erasmus takes charge of his 50th Bok Test as head coach having won 36 of the 49 so far, while Siya Kolisi becomes the ninth Bok centurion.
Memories from Paris 😍
Watch the Boks take on France at the Stade de France this Saturday; live on @SuperSportTV #Springboks #ForeverGreenForeverGold pic.twitter.com/GXbLHK41cP
— Springboks (@Springboks) November 5, 2025
Photo: Johann Meintjes/Gallo Images
