World Cup winner and 51-cap Springbok Albert van den Berg, the Scarlets forwards coach, sat down to chat to the media this week ahead of Friday’s BKT United Rugby Championship clash with his compatriots the Vodacom Bulls on Friday night.
Here he talks about the threat of the men from Pretoria and his former coach Jake White, the feel-good factor following the win in Cardiff and the growth of the Scarlets pack.
How big was that first win of the season?
AvdB: “It was great for us. We have come close in the first three games, had opportunities in all three matches, and after Cardiff took us in our own backyard it was great to get one back on them. Spirits are up in the camp and everyone is happy.”
Discipline has been an issue in the opening rounds, how important will it be against the Bulls?
AvdB: “Discipline is going to be a big factor. We know Bulls are coming to town, we know they will look to kick to the corner, try and get scrum penalties and maul us. When we were down to 13 men (against Cardiff), it was great to see how the boys managed the time and showed composure, our defence was really good as well. The guys really believed in each other and stuck to the system regardless of how many players were on the field.”
What about that Blair Murray try-saving tackle?
AvdB: “That is one of our highlights reels we have been showing this week. The great thing about it is that Jac Price and Dan Davis are chasing back as well, the commitment from the boys was outstanding, Blair got the tackle and everyone else was looking to get back as well.”
Are there any new injuries or players returning?
AvdB: “We are looking at the same squad, which is great. It is a nice headache to have when you have to select the team.”
What are the strengths of the Bulls? They have looked very impressive so far this season.
AvdB: “They have got a great team, a lot of Springboks. They are physical, have a good scrum, good maul, their counter attack is really good with ball carries. I know Jake (White) well, having played under him. He will get them fired up, he has said in the media that this is their year to perform, they will have the right mindset. But we will be ready for them, we like to take on the big teams and the big players, all the guys will be fired up for this one.”
It is your second season in Wales, what has been the experience like?
AvdB: “The people are great, we just come from a background of sun shining for 300 days a year! The biggest adjustment for me has been getting used to the weather, but the people are great, it is a beautiful country as well, we’ve been around a few places and we love it.”
What about the new look to the Scarlets squad?
AvdB: “We have a great balance of young players and experience. Performances are getting better, we are moving in the right direction. There is also a great leadership group who are committed to the cause and we are building on that.
Have you been impressed by the home-grown talent here?
AvdB: “There are a lot of guys coming through the ranks. You look at someone like Jac Price, who is a young lock who doesn’t give up, gives everything to the cause when he plays. There are others as well throughout the squad.”
Can you tell us a bit more about Jake White?
AvdB: “For me, from the time I spent under Jake, he brings a lot of confidence in you as a player. He has a clear gameplan, what he wants from everyone in the team and he puts all of that together. I will never forget in 2004, I remember him telling us when I came into the Springbok squad, ‘If you guys do what I tell you we will win the next World Cup’. He instilled that belief and worked hard, yes, there were ups and downs on the way to 2007, but he will instil that belief that you are good enough to be there and good enough to compete and if you stick to what he is telling you, you will get the results.”
What are your views on the URC?
AvdB: “It is very competitive and getting more and more unpredictable every year as the competition goes forward. Everyone is improving, young players are coming through, it is an exciting competition. It is also an opportunity for everyone to play cross-border. Players are not just getting that experience at international level now, but also in the URC. It will make everyone better.”