10 November 2026
Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus has opened up about the reasons that secure Morné "Krappie" van den Berg his place in the national setup. The gritty scrumhalf has drawn attention for his selection ahead of flashier options in the South African system. Erasmus clarified that national selection hinges entirely on how a player's specific traits complement the broader tactical blueprint.
"It’s sometimes tough to convince people that there’s something in a player that we see," Erasmus explained. "Not that other players are not good. Some of the best players in South Africa will probably, in our era, not play for the Springboks because of what we need in a certain team."
The coach highlighted that individual skill must align with the existing balance of the starting XV. Using the loose trio as an example, he noted how specific structural requirements dictate who gets the nod. "If you’ve got Siya [Kolisi] and Pieter-Steph [du Toit] and Jasper [Wiese], the next player you want in there [loose trio] is probably a Cameron Hanekom, who can cover seven and eight," said Erasmus. "Elrigh [Louw] is good, Evan [Roos] is good, but maybe they don’t complement what we need in this specific team."
This precise tactical indexing explains Van den Berg’s role as the link to a highly creative Springbok backline. With playmakers like Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Manie Libbok, and Handré Pollard requiring clean possession, the coaching staff prioritises rapid distribution over individual running metrics.
"There are good scrumhalves in South Africa – Faf [de Klerk], Jaden [Hendrikse], Embrose [Papier] – and they’ve got wonderful skills," Erasmus stated. "But what Sacha brings and Manie [Libbok] brings and Handré [Pollard] brings and Damian [de Allende] brings, and Gaza [Damian Willemse] brings, and André Esterhuizen brings, we maybe need a nine just to be really fast off the base and get the balls into those guys’ hands. We don’t need this guy who’s sniping all over the field."
Ultimately, it is Van den Berg's combative work ethic and relentless commitment at the breakdown that solidified his standing. Erasmus values his ability to disrupt opposition momentum and maintain a high operational intensity throughout the match.
"I think the big thing about Krappie, which we enjoy, is he makes everything a contest," Erasmus concluded. "The tackle, tackle fight, a pass, getting to the ruck quick enough. I’m not blowing his horn and saying he’s one of the best players in the world, but hell, he grafts, and he gives his best."
