VIDEO: Lions scrumhalf Morne van den Berg is relishing the opportunity to face the best that Leinster can bring on Saturday rather than hope they rest some of their big names.

The Springbok No.9, affectionately known to his friends and family as Krappie, spoke to reporters from Dublin where the Lions are preparing for their biggest encounter in the United Rugby Championship thus far against table-toppers Leinster.

The Lions and Leinster are the only unbeaten sides in the tournament left and while Ivan van Rooyen’s side is confident they can put one over the Irish giants, a victory would not help them leapfrog into first position.

The two-Test Bok scrumhalf said the team is in a good place and ready to face the might that Leinster can bring although some reports suggest that several Ireland internationals are likely to be rested ahead of the end-of-year Tests.

“I would prefer playing against a full [Leinster] team. As a rugby player, you want to play against the best in the world,” Van den Berg said.

“We feel we’re in a good place at the moment and we really want to go against the best side.”

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And while his side is on an unbeaten run this early in the competition, Van den Berg said any talk of winning the title is much too premature.

“To think of a title is a bit premature, as it’s only been four wins and we’re still far from where we need to be,” he explained.

“I don’t think there’s anyone in the Lions camp sitting here saying we’re the best team in the competition or we’re going to win the title. We’re taking it game by game, and this weekend’s match is a great test to see where we’re at.”

Last week the Lions won a scrappy affair against Zebre in horrendous condtions, and Van den Berg it brought back memories of the Test against the Wallabies in Perth back in August.

The Springboks outplayed the Wallabies by 30-12 in similarly treacherous weather in Perth to keep their winning start in the 2024 Castle Lager Rugby Championship going

“When it started raining like that, it felt a bit like Déjà vu.

“Having felt that pressure before, I think it definitely helped,” the scrumhalf said.

“They were different situations, they are very different to Australia and we are different to the Boks but the conditions were pretty similar.”

 

Van den Berg said his time with the Springboks has helped him grow as a player, and he now wants to incorporate that experience into the Lions.

“Being at the Boks helped me with my composure and doing the right things at the right time.

“My time with the Boks made me a better player. I’ve learned vital lessons on the rugby field.

“I want to show, at the Lions, that I am a better player although I don’t think I am close to where my potential is,” he explained.