Morne van den Berg ready to challenge for Springboks scrum-half jersey

Morne van den Berg says returning to the Springboks squad after injury is a “massive privilege” and is ready to compete for the number nine jersey ahead of Saturday’s Test against Los Pumas in Argentina.

The scrumhalf has been back in the national set-up after a spell on the sidelines and told reporters in Argentina that missing out while the Springboks were playing had been difficult.

“The injury was obviously tough, especially with the Boks playing, but it gave me a lot of motivation to work hard to be here,” said Van den Berg.

“I’ve had some incredible people on my side who helped me a lot, and I’m feeling really good.”

Van den Berg’s absence opened up competition for the scrumhalf position, with other players taking their opportunities and being rewarded. The 29-year-old said those developments were outside his control, but he used his time away from the team to improve both his fitness and his game.

“Those things are completely out of my control. The other players put in the effort and they were rewarded,” Van den Berg said.

“Personally, I can only face what’s in front of me. The injury afforded me the opportunity to upskill and get fit, so I made the best of the situation.

“That said, to be back and compete with those guys is incredible. At the end of the day, you serve the Springboks, and you do whatever it takes to make the team better.”

The Springboks are preparing to face Los Pumas at Estadio Jose Amalfitani, with the match scheduled to begin at 21h10 South Africa time on Saturday.

Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus is due to announce his matchday squad for the encounter on Tuesday. That selection will determine who starts at scrumhalf and who is included among the replacements, with Van den Berg now back in contention.

Although his injury prevented him from being involved while the Springboks were in action, Van den Berg said the setback ultimately gave him a period in which to work on areas of his preparation. He credited the people around him for helping him through that time and said he now feels in good condition.

His return adds to the competition for one of the key positions in the Springboks team. Van den Berg’s approach is to concentrate on the work required of him rather than on the performances or selections of the other scrumhalves.

He also stressed that the priority remains serving the national side. For Van den Berg, competing with the players who established themselves during his absence is part of the process of making the Springboks stronger.

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