Morne van der Berg, a Springboks midfielder, delivered an outstanding performance in the final match of the greatest rugby rivalry against the All Blacks, held in Baltimore. His performance was recognized as the best of his career with the Springboks.
The world champions won 43-28 in Baltimore on Saturday. This victory allowed them to win the series 3-1 after trailing 1-0, thanks to strong counter-attacks in the last three games.
From the start of the match at M&T Bank Stadium, number 9 supported the trust of head coach Rassie Erasmus and his coaching staff by taking the field. He actively participated in the game, making fierce tackles and then controlling the pace of the Springboks, which helped damage New Zealand's attack. His play with the offload pass and overall activity also drew attention, as he scored an important try in the first half and helped create several others.
Van der Berg, who received the Man of the Match award, could not have played better despite being given a chance ahead of veteran Kobus Reinach.
According to Van der Berg, who has not lost in the Springboks jersey in his 14 matches so far, securing this victory for South Africa was special. The Lions midfielder stated after the match: 'Obviously, when we were down 1-0 (after Ellis Park), we had to try very hard. We have a special group here, and playing for this team is a special feeling.'
He continued: 'I think that, as is obvious, returning to our DNA, we adhered to and supported our playing model, without falling into a trap (against them). We just supported our game and how we want to play, and made them conform. They were incredible at times; we had to work hard. I believe we surpassed them in the decisive moments.'
One critical moment was how All Blacks midfielder Cam Rygard knocked the ball from Springboks flanker Pieter-Steph du Toit, although from offside, and it almost led to a try for New Zealand on the opposite end of the field. Van der Berg found himself in a tense situation as he tackled Rygard without the ball and risked receiving a yellow card.
Fortunately for number 9, the official television referee informed referee Karl Dickson about the offside, and the Springboks were awarded a penalty kick. Thus, Van der Berg avoided a potential warning that could have overshadowed his performance.
Van der Berg added that this decision brought a key shift in the game's dynamic. He noted: 'One of the decisions when Cam broke through and was offside, and it was one of those controversial decisions that worked in our favor. I think it changed the momentum a bit. I also think that the ball movement really helped us achieve this dominance and advantage to be in the right places at the right time.'
He also shared his impressions of the opponents: 'This was my first match against the All Blacks (in the series), and I have immense admiration for their skill and ability to move the ball. It is incredible. So to feel it for the first time, yes, they are a real rugby team.'
