Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus has compared Morne van den Berg to a World Cup-winning All Blacks scrumhalf.
The 27-year-old No 9, who earned two Test caps last year, will start for the Springboks against the Barbarians at Cape Town Stadium on Saturday.
Erasmus told the media that Van den Berg had impressed him this past season despite playing for a Lions side that once again failed to reach the Vodacom URC playoffs.
“He’s such a hard worker and he’s so particular about getting things right. He actually reminds me a lot of Aaron Smith. Even when the Lions weren’t winning, his output and commitment stood out. He really understands what we want to do.”
MORE: Matured Fassi ‘willing to learn’
Erasmus revealed that Van den Berg was one of his picks when coaches were asked to nominate players for the South African URC Player of the Season award.
“I just think he’s really tidy and sharp. One of the two Test matches he played was in the rain against Australia, so hopefully Cape Town gives him a better shot in dry weather.”
ALSO: Du Preez deployed to swing Bok hammer
Cobus Reinach is the Boks’ replacement scrumhalf for Saturday’s match, while Erasmus said Faf de Klerk – whose last Test appearance came against Ireland at Kings Park in July 2024 – and a fit-again Grant Williams would feature in the upcoming Tests against Italy and Georgia.
Photo: James Worsfold/Getty Images
