There were mixed emotions for three Springbok players who were members of the matchday team that recorded an emphatic 64-21 victory against Portugal in the historic first Test between the nations in Bloemfontein on Saturday, which brought down curtain on the 2024 edition of the Castle Lager Incoming Series.

Debutant Ruan Venter (loose forward) described playing his first match in the green and gold as an emotional experience, while Ben-Jason Dixon (utility forward) said the experience combined with the lessons learned from his teammates in the last few weeks inspired him immensely.

Humble double Rugby World Cup-winning winger Makazole Mapimpi, who capped off the occasion by scoring a hat-trick, in turn, thanked his team-mates for their contribution to make that special milestone possible.

Venter – one of seven players who earned their first Test caps – was delighted about making his Springbok debut and said: “It was emotional for me and my family, and personally a great opportunity. If you told me two weeks ago that I’d be making my Test debut, I wouldn’t have believed it. It came as a surprise, and it was an amazing moment.”

Venter added: “It was a fantastic occasion to learn, both from the more experienced players and also to experience playing Test rugby, and it meant a lot for a few of us to receive the opportunity to showcase our abilities.”

Dixon, who earned his second Test cap in the match and scored his first try for the Boks, also spoke highly of the lessons he has learned since being called up to the national squad earlier in the season.

“It was a pleasant experience slotting into the group and especially working with the senior players, who have been so accommodating and helpful.” said Dixon.

“One of the main things that stood out for me was how those players take what is discussed in the week and manage to implement it on game day.

“Since the beginning of the week everyone was focused on the task at hand because the coaches made it clear that we should not underestimate Portugal, and each one of us just wanted to go out there and give our best, and we enjoyed the match thoroughly.”

Mapimpi, meanwhile, refused to take all the credit for scoring an impressive second-half hat-trick – which accounted for three of the team’s 10 tries – and said it was out of his control.

“Personally, I just take things as they come,” he said.

“The key for me is to focus on my game, and I have to thank my teammates for putting me in a position to score those tries. For me it’s important to take the opportunities when you see it, and I’m glad I could do that for the team.”

The Springboks departed Bloemfontein on Sunday, and the players selected for coach Rassie Erasmus’ Castle Lager Rugby Championship squad – which will be announced on Tuesday – will assemble in Johannesburg on Sunday for a short preparation camp before departing for Australia the following Wednesday.