Lions coach hails Boan Venter's bulk and "hardkoppig" approach

Venter was a huge acquisition for the Lions over the off-season, with Edinburgh being reluctant to lose their man but the big prop wanted to be closer to his family. With the move being driven by personal rather than financial motives, there was very little they could do to convince him to stay in Scotland.

The 29-year-old has 10 Test caps for the Springboks and made his debut for the Lions against the All Blacks in the recently concluded Rugby's Greatest Rivalry tour.

"He's big, a 1.87m, 130kg loosehead. He brings bulk, a bit of beef. Hardkoppig in Afrikaans is the way that he plays," Van Rooyen said.

"He's physical and exciting in the loose, which I think fits our game well."

Venter has spent the past fortnight with the Lions as the coaching staff assess his readiness while balancing duties with the Springboks.

"He's been awesome. We've had two weeks with him, assessing where he is. He's currently in that yo-yo position where he's with the Boks and with us," Van Rooyen explained.

"Whatever it is, wherever he gets minutes, it's important for him and for us to perform —to bring his set-piece work and assist in the loose as much as possible."

The coach also reflected on the side's midfield options, admitting the No 12 jersey had been an area of concern last season.

"We were unlucky at 12 last season. Richard Kriel started the season well, then got injured. Bronson had an unbelievable run, and then he got injured," Van Rooyen said.

Attention has now turned to Ethan Adams, who impressed coaches during the Currie Cup.

"Ethan is physical; he gets you momentum. We have worked hard with him for the last two weeks since the end of the Currie Cup. He has a really good skill set," van Rooyen said.

"A lot of people will probably think that he doesn't have a skill set because they just see him bash, but we're excited about him.

"He does bring something a little bit different for us at 12. He can also play 13, similar to what Henco van Wyk can bring."

With Venter adding size and physicality up front and fresh options emerging in the midfield, Van Rooyen will be hoping both areas deliver the consistency the Lions need in the campaign ahead.