Krappie: Boks didn't fall into All Blacks' trap
REACTION: Springbok scrumhalf Morne van den Berg revealed how the team stuck to their guns following their opening loss to clinch the Greatest Rivalry series by three Tests to one against the All Blacks.
Van den Berg missed out in the Boks’ opening loss at his franchise home ground of 10Bet Ellis Park, but featured twice off the bench in Cape Town and Soweto, which South Africa won to head into the Baltimore decider up 2-1.
Following his heroics at FNB Stadium last week, Van den Berg (affectionately known as Krappie) earned his first start against the All Blacks and scored a crucial first-half try to open a 10-point gap for his side following Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu’s conversion.
*Also read: Boks trump All Blacks to clinch Greatest Rivalry series trophy
The Bok No.9 spoke about what the victory meant to him and the team and the key moments and areas where the Boks got the better of the old foe.
“Oh, it’s special. I’m so glad we can do it for the country after being 0-1 down.
“We had to dig deep, and yeah, it’s a special group and special to play for this team.
“I think, obviously, one of those decisions where Cam [Roigard] broke through and he was offside.
“One of those split decisions that went our way, I think, did a bit of a momentum shift.
“I think also the set-piece did very well to get us that dominance and get us over the advantage line and get us in the right areas at the right times.”
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He elaborated on the adjustments the Boks made following their opening loss to ensure three victories on the trot under pressure to save the series.
“Just going back to our DNA, sticking to and backing our game, and not falling into a trap, how we want to play and forcing our game on them.
“I just think we forced our game onto them. New Zealand were unbelievable at times.
“We had to work hard. But yeah, I think in crucial moments we got the better of them.”
Van den Berg opened up on his experience playing against New Zealand and the threats they pose that make them a tough nut to crack.
“Yeah, it was my first start against the All Blacks, and I just have massive admiration for their skill and their ability to move the ball; it’s incredible.
“So to have felt that for the first time, yeah, they’re a proper rugby team.”
The Lions halfback concluded by revealing the culture in the Springbok side for someone like him who is still a rookie at Test level.
“Just believe in each other, in the coaching staff, and in the players in the system.
“The coaches have created an environment where if there’s an injury, the next guy is in.
“So it’s also your responsibility if you’re the next guy in to do what’s best for the Springboks.
“That’s what’s special. It’s not about individuals; it’s about the team, how you can serve the team; that’s what they created.”
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