The Springboks secured a series win with a 43-28 triumph over the All Blacks at the M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, taking the series 3-1. Van den Berg's inclusion in the starting lineup was a strategic masterstroke by coach Rassie Erasmus, praised by many including former Wallabies coach Ewen McKenzie.
"I just want to give Rassie a rap. He made one change to the team – he put Van den Berg in at halfback and he got Man of the Match. I enjoyed the way he played because he didn’t just aim up. He wasn’t just the link man in attack. He was physical in defence, he was in the rucks, he was over the ball."
Evidence of Van den Berg's standout performance was clear in a post-match MVP poll where he garnered 39% of the votes, distinctly ahead of the runner-up, wing Kurt-Lee Arendse. His dynamic play not only highlighted his skills but also his resilience, coming back from a three-month hiatus due to bicep surgery which made his participation in the series seem improbable.
Van den Berg himself reflected on his challenging journey back to the pitch, noting the uncertainty of his return. "It looked impossible," he told SuperSport after the match, alluding to the doubts surrounding his recovery and ability to play in the series.
McKenzie further remarked on the depth and tactical acumen displayed by Erasmus in utilizing Van den Berg, signaling a strong strategic foresight.
"Credit to Rassie: he’s got a little guy there we hadn’t even thought about, and suddenly he’s out there winning Man of the Match in a big game. He’s got some good depth there and he deployed it well in this Test," McKenzie added, highlighting the unexpected yet successful decision by the Springboks' coach.
The Springboks' series victory and Van den Berg's exceptional performance are testaments to both individual tenacity and strategic team management. This not only underscores the depth and talent present in South African rugby but also sets the stage for future confrontations on the global rugby stage.
