Venter: "We can go all the way"

• 31 January 2022
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Get the Quick Hits from hat-trick scorer Boan Venter as he spoke to media following Edinburgh's loss against Ospreys at Swansea.com Stadium.

Venter became the 13th player to score a hat-trick of tries for Edinburgh in the professional era, and the first prop to do so - the only other front rower being Stuart McInally, against Timisoara Saracens in 2016.

On squad players stepping up

“I’m quite excited about the guys stepping up and stepping into the starting jersey with guys being absent with the Scotland squad, they bring massive energy to the group and with their skill- set, that’s definitely something to get excited about.

“It is quite important for the more experienced guys to put up their hands and put in a good shift.

“I think we have really good depth this season and the way Mike is handling it; I think everybody that comes into the team knows exactly what to do. I believe we can definitely go all the way.”

On taking opportunities

“We have guys who want to play rugby, we talk about our guys needing to play rugby and they will get that opportunity, I expect real growth in the young guys coming through from getting game time. I am looking forward to this period with the internationals away.”

On his hat-trick

“It’s the first time it’s happened to me in my professional career, so it’s quite nice. But it sucks being on the losing side. We’re gutted about that, I think it’s a bit of both being at the right time in the right place and just the guys getting on the front foot.

“I think all the guys showed great fight throughout the game and it’s a pity we didn’t put it through.”

On Leinster next up

“Those are the games that you look forward to, because they’re the ones that you know you can measure yourself in, to be the best you have to beat the best. At the end of the day that’s what we play this game for – to better yourself, to better the team and play for the guy next to you.”