Springboks: Answers found at scrumhalf, Williams ready to return

Earlier this season, Rassie Erasmus acknowledged that Cobus Reinach and Grant Williams were understandably in the top two when it came to the Springboks’ pecking order at scrumhalf.

However, during the course of the series against the All Blacks, Morne van den Berg continued to go from strength to strength, culminating in a Man of the Match performance in the final Test last Saturday in Baltimore.

The 28-year-old appears to be hitting his prime, and offers plenty of attributes that Erasmus and the coaches will love. He is a warrior, fearless on defence and a nuisance around the fringes.

His kicking game is solid – and he even offers an option when it comes to place-kicking – while his speed of distribution is excellent.

With Reinach now 36 years of age, and having looked unconvincing at times this season, Van den Berg has really seized his opportunity to suddenly be regarded as the first-choice option at No 9.

He has also risen to the occasion in the absence of injured Grant Williams, but the good news for the Springboks is that the Sharks star has now recovered from injury, and will add further depth at scrumhalf for the remainder of the season.

Springboks blessed with depth at scrumhalf

Although Van den Berg has ensured there has been a shake up to the Springboks’ pecking order at scrumhalf, the fact of the matter is that the coaching staff could still call on the likes of Faf de Klerk, Jaden Hendrikse or even Haashim Pead.

Speaking after his performance in Baltimore, Van den Berg admitted it was a dream come true.

“It’s been such a massive honour to play for this team, for this jersey, for our country, and for my family back home. I am so proud of the boys that we could pull it through. It was special (scoring a try). It’s always good to score tries, but a bit more special to score in this game.

“It’s a dream come true (playing against the All Blacks). You honestly dream of this when you’re a young boy playing in the garden. Scoring tries in the corner of the garden. And then to be on this field in America, in Baltimore, in front of this amazing crowd. I am speechless.”

Remaining fixtures for the year

Once-off Test

• Sunday 27 September:

  Wallabies v Boks

  • Venue:

    Optus Stadium, Perth

  • Kick off:

    11:30

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Nations Championship (End of Year Tour)

• Saturday 7 November:

  Italy v Boks

  • Venue:

    Allianz Stadium, Turin

  • Kick off:

    16:00

• Friday 13 November:

  France v Boks

  • Venue:

    Stade de France, Paris

  • Kick off:

    22:00

• Saturday 21 November:

  Ireland v Boks

  • Venue:

    Aviva Stadium, Dublin

  • Kick off:

    19:30

• 27–29 November:

  Finals Weekend

  • Venue:

    Twickenham Stadium, London

  • Kick off:

    TBC