Morne Van den Berg relishing chance to make Johannesburg Test debut

Morne Van den Berg relishing chance to make Johannesburg Test debut

A passionate crowd of more than 80,000 spectators are expected to attend the third Test in the Rugby's Greatest Rivalry, and Van den Berg said the Boks are looking forward to playing at the "Calabash".

Van den Berg, who plays for the Lions, made his debut for the provincial union at the iconic FNB Stadium, and said the fact that he would be running out there this weekend in his second Test in this series made it extra special.

"I'm very excited to play a Test in Johannesburg at the FNB Stadium," said Van den Berg, who is fondly referred to as 'Krappies' by his team mates, on Wednesday.

"We trained there this week and it's an amazing stadium. The whole team is buzzing and excited. With close to 90 000 supporters there, it's going to be incredible."

Van den Berg said his first Test against the All Blacks last weekend in Cape Town, where the Springboks won 33-26, was a very special occasion.

"It was a really cool experience - they are one of the best sides in the world, and to experience that intensity first hand was great," he said.

When asked about the scrums, which have been a contentious point in the media throughout the week, the talented scrumhalf, who will earn his ninth Test cap should he come off the replacements bench, said: "I'm probably the wrong guy to ask technical scrum questions. I play what's in front of me and as a back the boys have a job to do."

Asked who his heroes were growing up, Van den Berg said they were a few he could mention: "I grew up as a massive Lions fan, so I really loved watching Ricky January, and then Jano Vermaak after that. And as I got older, Faf de Klerk became the player I really looked up to.

"To be honest, if I wanted to be like somebody, it would probably be Faf. But I won't say I go and watch his videos and try to copy his style."

Related News

Kolisi: FNB Stadium occasion can inspire Boks against All Blacks

Kolisi: FNB Stadium occasion can inspire Boks against All Blacks

  • 13 hours ago

Springbok captain Siya Kolisi believes the significance of playing at FNB Stadium will provide extra motivation for the Boks when they face the All Blacks in front of a huge crowd on Saturday.

'I love to scrum': All Blacks prop relishing another battle with the Boks

'I love to scrum': All Blacks prop relishing another battle with the Boks

  • 18 hours ago

All Blacks prop George Bower is relishing another scrum battle with the Springboks when the two sides meet at FNB Stadium on Saturday.

Power vs Pace: Springboks and All Blacks set for collision at FNB Stadium

Power vs Pace: Springboks and All Blacks set for collision at FNB Stadium

  • 20 hours ago

The third Test of Rugby's Greatest Rivalry, and final game on South African soil, will be a crucial turning point of the tour, as whoever wins the game will be in a position where they can no longer lose the series.

Dave Rennie makes key changes for All Blacks' third Test against Boks

Dave Rennie makes key changes for All Blacks' third Test against Boks

  • 1 day ago

All Blacks head coach Dave Rennie has named his team for Saturday's third Test against the Springboks, handing flanker Peter Lakai his first start of the Greatest Rivalry series.