All in the game of love

Former Bok Andre Venter finds solace in son's achievements

Intensity was very much part of Andre Venter's 66-test Springbok career - and it was evident during Free State's 24-12 loss to the Pumas at the under-13 Craven Week tournament at Glenwood High School in Durban this week.

His son, Andre-Hugo, was on the bench for the clash, but this did not stop Venter from supporting his son's provincial team from the sidelines.

"Bly positief manne, jy kan nog die wedstryd wen! (Stay positive guys, you can still win the game)," he pleaded from behind the dead-ball line as the Baby Cheetahs were hard-pressed to keep the Pumas at bay after Cheetahs lock Nhlanhla Senoamadi was yellow-carded for retaliation.

When Pumas No8 Chyle van Zyl scored the match-clinching try, the disappointment was evident on Venter's grizzled face. "Dis nie die einde van die wêreld, probeer manne (It's not the end of the world, keep trying)," he shouted.

Soon after the final whistle, he was able to crack a smile, acknowledging the skill of the Pumas team, as well as the fortitude shown by the outmatched Free Staters.

On Thursday, two days after that disappointing loss, Venter wore a different expression.

This time he was happy, having just watched Free State grind out a tough and exciting 5-0 win against an admittedly poor Blue Bulls outfit. His son played in that match and was instrumental in setting up the only try of the game.

Venter watched those matches - as well as a 10-8 loss to South Western Districts, a team that had a 13-year-old prop who tipped the scales at an eye-popping 116kg - with all the passion and vigour that he displayed as a player. This despite him being diagnosed in 2006 with transverse myelitis, a spinal disease that left him paralysed from the waist down.

He built his reputation as a tough loose-forward whose unbreakable will transcended a red card against New Zealand in Auckland in 1997, received for stamping on All Black captain Sean Fitzpatrick's head.

Such was his intensity, he was reputed to channel excess aggression by lifting weights on the eve of test matches. Although he found this flattering, he said it was a myth.

"I never went [weight training] specifically for a rugby match. I was just a person who trained very hard. I was disciplined, and if you want to excel in life and in sport, you need to be disciplined in whatever you do," Venter said.

"You need to have a programme and a plan for life, and I have awesome people in my life who help me along that path. One of them is my dad, some old rugby mates, Chris Badenhorst, who is my business partner, and lots of other people who make a positive contribution."

Being a Free State legend earned Venter many followers.

"Juan Smith was one of my kid's idols, along with Heinrich Brüssow and Adriaan Strauss, and they still come around and play with the kids. They are always willing to help. There's also a young rugby player who played for Shimlas, and he spends time with my son and helps him to improve his game," Venter said.

"It's always nice when you see older players giving back to the game because the game has made them who they are. I was so happy when Jake White offered to take a picture with the Free State kids - it's not something they will forget easily."

Sitting in his automated wheelchair, Venter has a sense of fulfilment, even when his son's team loses. The young hooker started as under-nine C captain before working his way into the under-13 As at Grey College Primary.

Venter jnr had a solid game against the Bulls, even though he struggled to find his jumpers because of the lanky Bulls locks and loose-forwards.

"My son must make his own mark. He is under no pressure from me and there is still a long way to go for him.

"I don't see him as a rugby player. I just see him as my son and I support him in whatever he does," Venter said.

"He must not have any excuses. I don't want him to have what-ifs or buts. I want him to train hard and I impart some important life-lessons to him. I often tell him that if he starts something he must go ahead, finish it and do his best while he is at it. I don't want to live my own dream, I want him to discover and live his own."

sports@timesmedia.co.za