Krappies makes Bok No 9 jersey his own

Morné van den Berg has emerged as the Springboks’ first-choice scrumhalf, with Mark Keohane declaring the Lions star South Africa’s most improved Test player of the year.

Speaking on the Keo & Zels Show, Keohane and Zelim Nel praised Morné’s outstanding performance in the Springboks’ 66-7 Nations Championship victory over Italy, where he scored a try and earned the Player of the Match award.

Known affectionately as Krappies, the 29-year-old has taken his opportunities with both hands, adding accuracy and composure to a game already built around relentless work rate.

“I love the fact that Krappies has added so much accuracy to his game,” Keohane said.

“He’s comfortably, for me now, the No 1 starting scrumhalf.”

Morné delivers a complete performance

Morné was at the heart of South Africa’s first-half demolition of Italy, helping the Springboks establish a commanding 45-0 lead at the break.

Keohane highlighted the scrumhalf’s intelligent kicking, accurate distribution and ability to identify attacking opportunities.

He pointed to 54 passes, 17 kicks and two turnovers as evidence of Morné’s all-round contribution.

The Lions scrumhalf also demonstrated his attacking instincts with a well-taken try, adding another dimension to a performance built on control and decision-making.

For Keohane, it was further proof that Morné has become one of the Springboks’ most dependable performers.

“Player of the Match in Baltimore, Player of the Match in Turin, and deservedly so,” he said.

“I just think he is the most improved Test Bok of the year.”

Why Krappies is winning the selection battle

Nel believes the Springbok coaching staff have returned to the qualities that made Morné such an effective player in the first place.

While other scrumhalves offer different strengths, Krappies provides a combination of tactical awareness, defensive commitment and consistency.

“I think the Boks have kind of circled back to him,” Nel said.

He compared Morné to former Springbok scrumhalf Faf de Klerk, describing both as dependable all-rounders capable of producing decisive moments without sacrificing the fundamentals.

“He’s a solid all-rounder, does the nitty-gritty stuff really well and can turn it on in big moments,” Nel explained.

The comparison is significant in a squad that also includes scrumhalves with exceptional attacking qualities.

Grant Williams offers explosive acceleration and game-breaking ability, while Cobus Reinach brings extensive international experience and pace.

But Morné’s ability to control territory and maintain accuracy has made him particularly valuable as Rassie Erasmus settles on his preferred combinations ahead of the 2027 Rugby World Cup.

Rassie’s Springboks defy the stats and dominate the scoreboard

French challenge will test Morné’s progress

The upcoming clash against France presents Morné with another opportunity to strengthen his position.

Keohane also highlighted the value of Cobus Reinach’s French rugby experience, having spent eight seasons at Montpellier.

Reinach’s understanding of French rugby, ability to speak the language and familiarity with the opposition’s mentality could prove valuable against Antoine Dupont and Maxime Lucu.

However, the discussion on the show made clear that Morné has established himself at the forefront of the scrumhalf selection conversation.

His developing partnership with Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu has helped the Springboks strike a balance between attacking ambition and tactical control.

Against Italy, that combination produced a devastating first-half display, with South Africa dominating territory, winning back contestable kicks and converting opportunities.

The challenge now is to reproduce that precision against significantly stronger opposition.

With Erasmus increasingly prioritising consistency and established combinations, Morné has picked the perfect time to deliver his best international rugby.

Krappies is no longer simply pushing for a place in the Springbok matchday squad. He is setting the standard for everyone else competing for the No 9 jersey.