Emirates Lions scrumhalf Morne van den Berg admitted that former Springbok, Emirates Lions and DHL Stormers scrumhalf Ricky Januarie was one of several top scrumhalves who was a major inspiration for him.
“Fourie du Preez, when I was growing up, was quite a legend.
“I was quite a big Lions supporter and the Januarie link-up with Andre Pretorius. I think Ricky was quite the guy when I was growing up,” he said.
“I remember the chip and chase in Dunedin, that’s probably still one of my favourite tries till today. Januarie’s try against the All Blacks in Dunedin in 2008 helped the Springboks to a memorable win in the Tri-Nations."
Van den Berg admitted there is still a lot of hard work to be done behind the scenes to improve. He will come up against two Springboks scrumhalves in Jaden Hendrikse and Grant Williams on Saturday when the Emirates Lions host the Hollywoodbets Sharks.
“They both have been in the Springbok mix so, like I said earlier, you learn from them what I can learn from them, but also not stand back. Very excited to get to know them and compete hopefully.”
“I think the competition is quite a good thing. So the thing is to just learn where you can and be coachable, and when your opportunity comes be ready."
“I was overwhelmed and excited to get the call-up. It has always been a dream, so to get that good news was quite exciting. It was a special day. We had a good reception from the team as well. There was a lot of excitement among the squad.” Van den Berg said.
“I have so much to grow, I have so much more potential that I can fill, so I am excited to get to a Springbok squad where I can learn hopefully and I can grow into that potential.
“It’s been a hard few years of hard work, but there’s a lot more hard work to be done. That’s actually very exciting."
“I think you can always be better firstly, and I think my skills can get better, but I also think the environment that you get into, can help you grow. And I think that is important. The Springbok environment is excellence so I am excited to get into that environment."
“To learn, to grow and to get better at my skills, get better at reading the game, and just to take my expectation of myself higher."
“But that doesn’t happen there, that happens here on the field every day. That’s what I keep chasing every day."
“I think the hours of training have led up to this. Your skill level has to be at a certain point. I still feel I have a lot more to grow and have so much more potential that I can fill.”
“I am excited to hopefully get into the Springbok squad where I can learn and grow into that potential. It has been a few years of hard work, but there is a lot more hard work to be done, and that is a very exciting thing."
“My mindset going there is to learn from the players who have already been there. To be a sponge, soak in as much as I can, and to be ready and competitive where I can.”
