Morne Van Den Berg: Another Springboks Star Ruled Out of Majority of Test Season Due to Injury

• Springboks star Morne Van Den Berg has been ruled out for the majority of the test season with an injury
• The South African scrum-half could be out for a long period, which means the Lions would need a replacement
• Rugby fans, especially the Lions fan reacts to reports that van den Berg would be out for a long time

The Lions’ preparations for their landmark United Rugby Championship quarter-final clash with Leinster have been significantly disrupted by a major injury setback to Springbok scrumhalf Morné van den Berg.

Head coach Ivan van Rooyen confirmed this week that Van den Berg, widely known as “Krappie”, had successful surgery on Wednesday, but will now be out of action for an estimated four to six months.

The 27-year-old’s extended spell on the sidelines represents a serious blow for the Lions ahead of their challenging trip to Dublin, while also posing concerns for the Springboks, with the international season drawing closer.

Read also

Cheslin Kolbe’s stunning return: Springboks star set for homecoming after Japan stint

Van den Berg ruled out due to injury

Speaking at a media briefing on Friday morning, Van Rooyen said both Van den Berg (biceps) and dynamic loose forward Ruan Venter (knee) underwent operations during the week and face long recovery periods.

“Both Krappie and Ruan had their surgeries on Wednesday, and fortunately, everything went well,” Van Rooyen explained. “Unfortunately, both will be out for a considerable time. Krappie in particular is expected to miss four to six months, which is a significant setback.”

Here is what fans are saying about the latest update on Van den Berg being ruled out of action due to injury.

Frans-Paul Pieterse said:

"It will be a much more difficult game without him - everyone knows that. But Haash has been training hard with Krappies for a while now, and Nico is Nico - so perhaps something special still happens. To be realistic, the Lions does not have the same team depth as larger franchises. In other words, if a hand full of key players get injured (or suspended) it will reflect on the scoreboard, unfortunately. However, I am still extremely proud of this team and the amount of growth they have shown during the past year."

Read also

Ex-Kaizer Chiefs coach backs Orlando Pirates for Betway Premiership glory

Hermanus Herman shared:

"Without Morne van den Berg, l gif, the Lions 40 present 2 win."

John Oktober wrote:

"Well, we have two inform scrumhalfs which can fill his boots with ease, good luck Morne 🙏."

Robert van Dyk commented:

"I suppose that after giving Pead 5-minute cameos every second game, he is now expected to trot out against the league leaders and win the game for the Lions."

Zek Shange added:

"It will be interesting to see the Lions' depth during this year's Currie Cup. If it's the same SA U23 team, then we can expect some good talent coming through."

Van Rooyen on Lions injury issues

Lions coach acknowledged that the injuries, along with the lengthy suspension handed to Asenathi Ntlabakanye, have left the squad without several important leaders on match day.

He explained that the situation would require greater shared responsibility throughout the team and the forward pack in order to manage momentum during games.

Read also

Orbit College coach issues bold statement before Pirates showdown

There was also positive news for the Lions regarding captain Francke Horn and centre Henco van Wyk, with both players taking part in light running sessions this week as they continue their recovery. The coach expressed optimism that the pair could return in time for the club’s first-ever United Rugby Championship quarter-final against Irish opposition.

According to the coach, Horn and Van Wyk responded well after being assessed during the light training session and are continuing to make progress, leaving open the possibility of their availability next weekend.

The Lions were also boosted by positive developments surrounding utility back Richard Kriel, who is recovering strongly after recently sustaining a head injury.

Erasmus expresses confidence in squad depth

Briefly News also reported that Springboks head coach Rassie Erasmus is confident in the team’s fly-half stocks, a position that once caused headaches ahead of the 2023 Rugby World Cup.

The coach reportedly said he was satisfied with the current depth, noting that the players offer flexibility depending on the game plan the team wants to implement.

Source: Briefly News