‘My mindset going there may be to study from the gamers who’ve already been there. To be a sponge, soak in as a lot as I can, and to be prepared and aggressive the place I can.’
Lions scrumhalf Morne van den Berg admitted that former Lions and Stormers scrumhalf Ricky Januarie was a serious inspiration for him rising up and he’ll now try to stroll in his footsteps as he enters the Springbok setup.
Van den Berg was one of six Lions gamers who have been chosen for the primary Bok alignment camp of the season, to happen in Cape Town firstly of subsequent month, and he will probably be aiming to stand out amongst a crowd of prime scrumhalves.
He would do nicely to make a splash like Januarie, who will perpetually be remembered for serving to the Boks make historical past in New Zealand, along with his good particular person attempt in opposition to the All Blacks in the 2008 Tri Nations securing their first ever win in Dunedin and breaking a ten yr dropping streak in the nation.
Januarie-Pretorius combo
“Obviously Fourie du Preez was quite a legend when I was growing up. But I was quite a big Lions supporter. So I loved the Ricky Januarie and Andre Pretorius link-up. So Ricky Januarie was quite the guy when I grew up,” mentioned Van den Berg.
“The chip and chase in Dunedin is still one of my favourite (Springbok) tries until today.”
Van Den Berg was knowledgeable of the call-up in a staff assembly together with the opposite chosen gamers and their teammates and admits that it was an thrilling day for the entire group, and he’s now keen to study as a lot as he can from the upcoming camp.
“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,” mentioned Van den Berg.
“I believe the competitors (on the Lions and Boks) is sort of a great factor. So the factor is to simply study the place you’ll be able to and be coachable, and when your alternative comes be prepared.
“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.”
Hard work begins now
He has all the time been one of the toughest working members in the Lions setup, placing in further hours after coaching and attempting to enhance his recreation wherever he can, however Van den Berg is aware of that the true onerous work begins now attempting to keep in the Bok fold.
“I think the (long) hours have led up to this. Your skill level has to be at a certain point (to make the Bok setup). I still feel I have a lot more to grow and have so much more potential that I can fill,” defined Van den Berg.
“I’m excited to hopefully get into the Springbok squad the place I can study and develop into that potential. It has been a number of years of onerous work, however there may be much more onerous work to be accomplished, and that may be a very thrilling factor.
“The environment you get into can help you grow and I think the Springbok environment is obviously excellent. So I am excited to get into that environment, to learn to grow and get even better in my skills, execution and at reading the game.”
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