Springboks scrumhalf Morné van den Berg said he is enjoying his heavy workload as South Africa prepare to play Italy in Turin on Saturday.
Van den Berg joined the Springboks camp after a short turnaround. He played for the Lions last weekend and then moved straight into Test preparation for Italy.
“I won’t say it’s easy, but everyone is in a similar position,” Van den Berg said.
“The systems at the club and the systems here are close enough that we’re able to dig into how we want to play and get alignment. So it’s not easy, but it’s very doable,” he said.
The Lions player said his body is in good shape despite the busy club and Test calendar.
“I’m obviously enjoying it a lot. I’m feeling strong, my body is healing well, and I’m in a good position. I feel great,” he said.
He said playing for South Africa is an opportunity he does not want to miss. “If you get the opportunity to represent the Springboks at this level, you want to take it, so to be able to play more is such a blessing,” Van den Berg said.
He added that club games also matter to him. “And when you play for your club, it’s also an opportunity to put your hand up and represent them. So playing more is incredible,” he said.
Van den Berg, known as Krappie, ended the series against the All Blacks in good form. He started the fourth Test in Baltimore and scored a try with a sharp dummy from close range.
He said that game is now behind him. “There’s a new picture, a new team, a new week. There’s big work this weekend; we must make sure we play well,” he said.
The scrumhalf position in South Africa has many strong players. Van den Berg said the competition pushes him to keep improving.
“The nines in South Africa are playing unbelievable rugby,” he said. “It can only make us better and I’m grateful for it.”
The past weeks have also been painful for Van den Berg and his Lions teammates. Lock Hyron Andrews died suddenly, according to IOL Sport.
The Lions players have spent about two weeks on tour. They have not been able to go home to grieve together with their loved ones.
The Springboks face Italy in a Test match in Turin on Saturday.
Source: this article is based on reporting by IOL Sport. Image: IOL Sport. Written with the help of AI and published by the Tzaneen Voice Sports desk. See our Editorial Standards.
Tiyani Mathebula writes about sport for Tzaneen Voice. Tiyani covers Bafana Bafana, the Springboks, the Proteas and the PSL, along with athletics, tennis and local club sport. Match reports and previews focus on results, team news, fixtures and what each game means for South African teams and fans.