The former Toyota Cheetahs hooker made his Peacock Blues debut in the important bonus-point win and produced a performance that could easily have seen him named Man of the Match. Venter is on loan to the Griquas from the SWD Eagles after the Northern Cape side was hit by an injury crisis in the hooking department.

He was called into the starting XV at the 11th hour after in-form hooker Tiaan Lange was ruled out with a lingering back injury.

Tiaan Lange pulled out of the game on Saturday morning with a back niggle - Morgan Piek

The Griquas are currently without Lange, Keagan Blanckenberg, Janco Uys and Dandré Delport, while loosehead prop Corné Lavagna had to provide cover at hooker against the Lions.

Venter was originally due to make his Griquas debut against his former side, the Cheetahs, a week earlier, but his first appearance was delayed.

When his opportunity finally arrived, he grabbed it with both hands.

The hooker played almost the full 80 minutes, scored a try and produced several powerful carries, while also showing that his set-piece fundamentals were more than up to standard.

It was a performance that did not come as a major surprise to Griquas coach Pieter Bergh, who previously worked with Venter during his time as coach of the Central University of Technology Ixias in the Varsity Cup.

Venter also spent time playing in Chicago, adding another chapter to a career that has taken him beyond South African rugby.

Bergh told OFM Sport that he was thrilled with the hooker’s display and never doubted that Venter would be able to step up when called upon.

Janus Venter on one of his strong runs against the Lions - Morgan Piek

“I know Bobby got the Man of the Match, but Janus surely would have been close to that,” said Bergh.

“We’re on our fifth and sixth hooker now for the season, with Delport, Blanckenberg, Uys and Lange all out. We’ve got Janus now from SWD, and the way he played was exceptional today.

“I wasn’t actually worried before the match because I’d coached Janus before. I knew his basics were good, and that’s what you need when someone comes in late – you just need to know he can scrum and his lineout throwing is good.

“You don’t expect more from him, but he brought it into loose play as well. I was just really happy for him, and he showed he can play at this level.”

Centre Mnombo Zwelendaba, who produced another typically composed performance in midfield, was equally impressed by Venter’s ability to make the most of an unexpected opportunity.

“Tiaan came off with an injury and they couldn’t make it through, and Janus just took the opportunity with both hands,” said Zwelendaba.

“He showed his quality today, so we’re very happy for him as well.”

Janco Uys could be back against the Sharks - Morgan Piek

With the Griquas sitting at the top of the Currie Cup standings, Zwelendaba knows there can be no let-up as the defending champions prepare for another demanding assignment.

The Griquas host the Sharks at the Suzuki Stadium on Friday in their final home game of the round-robin stage, and Zwelendaba believes they must build on the momentum gained from their latest performance.

“They are definitely building week in, week out,” he said.

Keagan Blanckenberg is still on crutches - Morgan Piek

“I think from our last home game, we need to take confidence and points out of it as well. It’s going to be a very important game for us.”

The Griquas will be aiming to finish the home leg of their campaign on a high as they look to maintain their position at the summit and build momentum heading towards the business end of the competition.

Friday’s clash between the Griquas and Sharks at the Suzuki Stadium kicks off at 17:00.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport