'It's about shutting the All Blacks down': Krappie on Roigard threat
VIDEO: FNB Stadium has already played a defining role in Morne van den Berg’s rugby journey.
On Saturday, the Springbok scrumhalf returns to the same ground where he made his Lions debut six years ago and scored his first senior try.
Playing off the bench again, the man they call Krappie will be hoping to help South Africa beat the All Blacks in the third Test of Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry.
Van den Berg debuted for the Lions at FNB Stadium in 2020 during a Superhero Sunday clash against the Bulls. It was a dream introduction as the former Wits scrumhalf crossed for his maiden Lions try on debut.
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Springboks’ Scrum Doctor fires back at All Blacks over ‘walking around’ claims
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The Johannesburg-born No.9 reached 100 appearances for the Lions in March this year, made his Springbok debut against Portugal in 2024 and earned his first Test start against Australia in Perth.
But his 2026 season was almost derailed when he tore his bicep against Munster in the URC and underwent surgery, missing the Lions’ playoff against Leinster and a large chunk of the international campaign.
He completed his comeback against Argentina before featuring off the bench in Cape Town last weekend, where he played the final 25 minutes against the All Blacks.
Now he gets another opportunity against New Zealand in his hometown.
The Roigard challenge
One of Van den Berg’s biggest assignments would be slowing down in-form All Blacks scrumhalf Cam Roigard, who has been one of New Zealand’s standout players throughout the series.
But Van den Berg says the Springboks won’t be focusing on Roigard alone.
“Cam is a very good player, but we just refer back to our system,” Van den Berg said.
“I think if we are good enough and we get right what we want to get right, then he’s going to have a difficult day behind a slow ruck.”
The Bok No.9 believes the battle starts up front rather than with an individual duel.
“As a scrumhalf, it’s really difficult if your pack is going backwards. For us it’s about putting pressure on them as a team, rather than focusing on him as an individual.
“We know what he’s capable of, but it’s more about shutting the All Blacks down than shutting Roigard down.”
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Settling into the Springbok system
Van den Berg admitted there was an adjustment after joining the Springbok setup from the Lions, describing the national team’s defensive system as more aggressive than what he was used to at franchise level.
“I’ve been in the Bok system for a while now and it’s definitely a bit more aggressive than the Lions.
“It was an adjustment in the beginning, but I think I’ve been here long enough now to feel really comfortable in the system.”
He said the All Blacks presented one of the toughest attacking challenges he has faced in a Springbok jersey.
“They were definitely the side that attacked the most that I’ve played against.
“The system is there for a reason. If you stay in the system, it protects you. It wasn’t perfect at times, but over the weekend [in Cape Town] it felt quite comfortable.”
