Morne van den Berg delighted after MoM performance in Boks' Baltimore bashing of All Blacks

The 28-year-old scrumhalf was named Man of the Match after making his first start against the All Blacks and producing an assured 80-minute performance.

Van den Berg had feared his injury would prevent him from playing in the series after suffering a bicep injury that required surgery and kept him out for three months. He only returned in August but worked his way back into the Springbok squad.

His reward was a starting opportunity in Baltimore, where he delivered sharp service, an effective kicking game and a crucial first-half try after emerging from a Springbok maul.

The victory completed a remarkable turnaround for the Boks, who lost the opening Test at Ellis Park before winning the next three in Cape Town, Soweto and Baltimore.

Van den Berg said South Africa's ability to trust their established approach proved crucial.

"Just going back to our DNA, sticking to and backing our game, and not falling into a trap, how we want to play and forcing our game on them," said Van den Berg.

He also pointed to the set-piece and a key decision involving Cam Roigard as moments that helped shift momentum.

"I think also the set-piece did very well to get us that dominance and get us over the advantage line and get us in the right areas at the right times," added the young halfback.

For Van den Berg, the victory was deeply personal after his long road back from injury.

"It looked impossible that I could play in this series but His miracle hand touched me," he said.

"It's been such a massive honour to play for this team, for this jersey, for our country and for my family back home."

His first try against the All Blacks was equally special.

"It's been a dream come true. You dream of this as a young boy playing in the garden, scoring tries in the corner of the garden and then to be able to do it on this field in America, in Baltimore, in front of this amazing crowd - I'm speechless," he went on.

The performance could also push Van den Berg further up the Springboks' No. 9 pecking order after he had previously been a fringe figure.

However, the scrumhalf insisted the team's culture remains more important than individual recognition.

"That's what's special. It's not about individuals; it's about the team, how you can serve the team; that's what they created," concluded the Bok youngster.

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