Morné van den Berg embraces Springbok challenge on European tour

The Springboks arrived in Italy on Monday as they prepare for the opening match of their European Nations Championship campaign against the hosts in Turin on Saturday. They will then travel to Paris for a meeting with France on November 13, before wrapping up their pool fixtures against Ireland in Dublin on November 21.

The 11-cap scrumhalf says the familiarity with the structures and playing philosophies makes it easier for the players to reconnect with the national team’s approach.

"I won't say it's easy, but it's like everyone is in a similar position. And then, yeah, I think just the systems between the club and the system here. I think we're really allowed to dig in, like how we want to play, get alignment. So, I won't say it's easy, but it's very doable, if it makes sense," said van den Berg

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The Nations Championship is a new biennial international competition jointly established by SANZAAR and Six Nations Rugby. Featuring 12 nations, the tournament is played across the existing July and November Test windows, with a Finals Weekend in London determining the overall champion and the winning hemisphere.

The Springboks head into the European leg of the Nations Championship unbeaten, having secured victories over England, Scotland and Wales during the July internationals.

Defence coach Jerry Flannery has also highlighted the limited time available to prepare for the next assignment, admitting that getting the squad together and ready for Test rugby within a short period is never ideal.

However, he believes the challenge is one shared by all the participating nations.

Morné van den Berg is determined to keep building on his progress in the Springbok setup after making the most of his opportunities during the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series against the All Blacks.

The scrumhalf is set to make his 12th Test appearance when South Africa take on Italy on Saturday, having been named in the starting line-up alongside flyhalf Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu.

Van den Berg says representing the Springboks remains a special privilege, and he is relishing the opportunity to gain more game time at international level while continuing to push himself at club level.