Like most positions in the Springbok setup, the scrumhalf cupboard is remarkably well stocked.
In fact, South Africa have used five scrumhalves in their opening four matches of the 2026 season — against the Barbarians, England, Scotland, and Wales. Grant Williams, Faf de Klerk, Cobus Reinach, Embrose Papier, and even the returning Herschel Jantjies have all enjoyed valuable game time.
Virtually the only player who has not seen a single minute of action is quicksilver Lions scrumhalf Morné van den Berg, who would have been well within his rights to think his chances of breaking into the squad for the upcoming Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry Test series against the All Blacks were slim.
‘Krappies’, as he is affectionately known to his teammates, has struggled with an arm injury since May. However, this weekend against Argentina in Buenos Aires, the No 9 will finally get an opportunity to stake his claim for a shot at the Boks’ bitter rivals.
Van den Berg remains philosophical about his injury layoff and the fierce competition for the coveted scrum-half jersey, insisting it is all about collective success rather than individual ambition.
“Those sorts of things are far beyond your control. Players put their hand up throughout the year and you are happy for them, because they have put in the effort and get rewarded,” Van den Berg told the media from Argentina on Monday.
“In my scenario, I can only face the challenge that is in front of me. I trust the plan that the Lord has for me, and in that scenario I was in a different phase to the other guys. I had an opportunity to upskill myself, to get fitter and mentally stronger. I made the best of the situation, and to come back and compete with them is just incredible.
“I like to think we make each other better. At the end of the day, you serve the Springboks; whatever it takes to make the Springboks better, you do it. If you get the opportunity to play for the Springboks, then you play 100 per cent to win. You want to play every game and you want to be in that contest, but the number one goal is to serve the team.”
The Springboks will announce their team for Saturday night’s clash at the Estadio José Amalfitani on Tuesday.
