From the Springboks' Johannesburg camp, Van den Berg shared his thoughts on Wednesday, emphasizing their tactical approach.
"You refer back to your system. If we’re good enough, and we get right what we want to get right, then it’s going to be a difficult day for him behind a slow ruck. As a scrumhalf, it’s really difficult if your ball is going backwards."
The focus of the Boks' strategy is clear: intensify the team pressure rather than singling out individuals. Van den Berg clarified, "It’s more about putting more pressure on them as a team, rather than focusing on him as an individual, it’s more about shutting the All Blacks down."
Van den Berg is no stranger to the intensity of facing the All Blacks, recalling last week's encounter where he played 25 minutes. "It was a really cool experience," he noted, "obviously they’re one of the best sides in the world, so to experience that intensity was really good."
This weekend's showdown holds a special allure as it's set at FNB Stadium, where Van den Berg has fond memories, including his senior Lions debut during Super Hero Sunday in 2020.
"We’ve trained there this week and it’s an absolutely incredible stadium," he enthused. "The whole team is buzzing and excited for this."
The upcoming match carries added emotional weight, considering the historic significance of the venue and opponent. "Most of us weren’t even born in '95," Van den Berg mused, referring to the iconic 1995 World Cup. "Growing up, Dan Carter was like the rock star of rugby. If you’re a kid in South Africa, you dream of playing for the Boks against the All Blacks."
The origin of Van den Berg's nickname is surprisingly mundane. “There was a guy in matric the year above who I really looked a lot like, and they started calling me ‘Krappie’ [little crab]. It’s been a good 15 years now, I’m not too bothered by it,” he shared.
Van den Berg's admiration for past South African rugby legends is palpable. He idolized the playing style of Fourie du Preez, a player famous for his tactical acumen and leadership on the pitch. "If I had to be like somebody, it would probably be him," he revealed.
As the Boks gear up for a challenging face-off, Roigard and his teammates should brace for a tactical assault, crafted meticulously by 'Krappie.' With a large crowd expected at FNB Stadium, the stage is set for what promises to be a thrilling encounter in one of rugby's greatest rivalries.
