The son of the Springbok and Free State legend, André Venter, could make his Bok debut this weekend against Portugal in Bloemfontein.

The 22-year-old André-Hugo Venter, who plays for the Stormers is in line to make his national debut in the historic Test in his hometown.

Venter played for Western Province on the weekend against the Cheetahs and he was added to the squad for this week's Test.

The Springboks have already indicated that this Test has been earmarked to build on their depth leading up to the 2027 Rugby World Cup that will be played in Australia and several young and uncapped players are in camp, while they have also been a part of the alignment camps.

While Grey College in Bloemfontein is one of the biggest producers of Springboks players, the last was the former Cheetahs captain, Francois Venter, who now plays for the Sharks. This may change on the weekend. Venter as well as Jan-Hendrik Wessels are both Grey Old Boys and could be named in the team on Tuesday. The pair played together from their school days.

André Venter played in 66 Tests for South Africa and 115 games for the Free State - Rugby365

The Springbok assistant, Deon Davids, told OFM Sport that it will be a special day, if he plays, but cannot confirm nor deny that Venter will be on debut.

“It's actually catch-22, because to answer that I'm saying that he's going to play,” said Davids.

“Just being a part of the squad is already a big achievement.

“I think if you reflect on his dad’s contribution in the past to Springbok rugby and the icon of the game that he became in the way he has done things, I think he can be very proud of his son in making the squad.

“It’s deservedly so in terms of his performances with the Stormers and getting selected into the squad, I think it would be fantastic if he gets this opportunity. It's also a testament of the quality of players that this region delivers both on and off the field and management in terms of how they contribute to his rugby.

“So for him, just like all the other youngsters that we have in this squad, I think they are deservedly here. They deserve the opportunity to be part of the squad, and when they do get an opportunity, we are quite confident that they will live up to their promise and perform at this level.”

The Springboks will be naming their team for the historic Test on Tuesday afternoon.

Saturday’s sold out Test at the Toyota Stadium kicks off at 17:00.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport