Morne van den Berg says the Springbok setup has given him the confidence to “be myself” on the rugby field.
The Lions scrumhalf has been named on the bench for the Rugby Championship clash against Argentina in Durban on Saturday.
It will be just his fourth Test cap after making his debut against Portugal in Bloemfontein last year, starting against the Wallabies in Perth, and scoring two tries in his only appearance this season against Italy at Loftus.
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“It’s very exciting. It’s a massive privilege to be a part of it and learn more every day,” Van den Berg said of the Bok system.
He admits that the belief shown in him by Rassie Erasmus and the Bok coaches has been crucial.
“It gives a lot of confidence. If the coaches back you and make you believe, and I know I’ve been given everything to be the best player I can be, then who am I to doubt myself? It’s a huge motivator and gives me a lot of confidence to go out there and be myself on Saturday.”
Van den Berg has had to bide his time, often missing key moments with the Lions – including the last two Currie Cup finals – due to Bok call-ups that didn’t always bring game time. Yet he says he’s still been able to develop his game.
“This system allows you to grow and I 100% believe that the training sessions, meetings and learnings make me a better player. All three of the other scrumhalves – Faf [de Klerk], Cobus [Reinach] and Grant [Williams] – have been amazing the last two years. They’re World Cup winners and they all share so much. I’m trying to be a sponge and learn from them, but also add what I can bring.”
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Erasmus said Van den Berg deserved his opportunity on Saturday.
“Last year he couldn’t play in the Currie Cup final and he’s only got three caps for us now. He couldn’t play in the final this year either.
“Sometimes it’s worth the wait. He’s been practising hard, he’s missed out on some really big things waiting for this opportunity, and we’re really glad for him.”
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Photo: Gordon Arons/Gallo Images
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