Latest news with #VandenBerg
IOL News
5 days ago
- Sport
- IOL News
Five Springboks who must fly to catch Rassie's eye against Barbarians
Springbok lock Jean Kleyn. Photo: AFP Image: AFP It may not be an official Test match, but there is a lot to play for when the Springboks run out against the Barbarians at Cape Town Stadium on Saturday. Here are five Boks who could catch the eye of coach Rassie Erasmus for more important matters later in the season… Morné van den Berg The Bok scrumhalf situation is a bit up-in-the-air at the moment. First-choice No 9 Grant Williams is still injured, Jaden Hendrikse was dropped, and Embrose Papier was ignored despite a stellar season with the Bulls. And while Erasmus had the experienced duo of Cobus Reinach and Faf de Klerk to turn to, he has opted for Lions No 9 Van den Berg to start against the Barbarians. Known for his pace across the ground, Van den Berg has worked hard on his kicking game in recent years, which has improved significantly. But now he has a chance to measure himself against the highly-experienced former All Black scrumhalf Tawera Kerr-Barlow, who will also keep the South African honest around the fringes on defence. Jean-Luc du Preez Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ Having been part of so many squads in recent seasons, former Sharks star Du Preez wasn't called upon. But now the England-based loose forward has to show Erasmus why he should be retained and even challenge Jasper Wiese for the No 8 jersey. Bulls stars Elrigh Louw and Cameron Hanekom are out for the rest of the year, so a stand-out display from the abrasive Du Preez against former All Black Shannon Frizell – who has a similar playing style – could catapult him into contention for the Rugby Championship. Vincent Tshituka Your #Springboks team to face the @Barbarian_FC in Cape Town tomorrow, and what a special team photo for Jesse, Vincent, Marnus, Asenathi and Neethling 🤩#ForeverGreenForeverGold — Springboks (@Springboks) June 27, 2025 The Sharks flank would probably have made his Bok debut while at the Lions a few years ago if it wasn't for the off-field administrative problems with regards to his official documents. But now Tshituka will hope to translate that outstanding United Rugby Championship form over many years onto the international scene. It doesn't come much tougher than facing two grizzled flanks in Peter O'Mahony and Sam Cane, and if Tshituka forces his way over the advantage line, he will get more game-time. Jean Kleyn Untimely injuries have robbed former Ireland lock Kleyn of more Test caps, but now he's back to stake a claim for more opportunities. The lock stocks are suddenly looking rosy now that Lood de Jager is back from injury, so competition is going to be at the highest possible level in the second row. But there is a chance for Kleyn to prove to the Bok coaches that he can be a permanent solution at No 4, as both Eben Etzebeth and Salmaan Moerat have battled with injuries. Asenathi Ntlabakanye We all know the remarkable 'Kamp Daan Draad' that the popular Lions No 3 had to endure to shed an amazing 18kg. But now Ntlabakanye must prove what we all think he can do: be a force at international level. His first port of call will the scrums, where Irish veteran Cian Healy will be waiting with bated breath to get stuck into him in his last match before retirement. But we also want to see Ntlabakanye make his barn-storming carries at close quarters and burst through tackles to get the Boks onto the front foot. Springbok Team 15 Aphelele Fassi 14 Cheslin Kolbe 13 Jesse Kriel (captain) 12 Damian de Allende 11 Kurt-Lee Arendse 10 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu 9 Morné van den Berg 8 Jean-Luc du Preez 7 Vincent Tshituka 6 Marco van Staden 5 Lood de Jager 4 Jean Kleyn 3 Asenathi Ntlabakanye 2 Malcolm Marx 1 Ox Nche. Bench: 16 Marnus van der Merwe 17 Jan-Hendrik Wessels 18 Neethling Fouché 19 Franco Mostert 20 Kwagga Smith 21 Cobus Reinach 22 Manie Libbok 23 André Esterhuizen. Barbarians Team 15 Melvyn Jaminet 14 Mark Tele'a 13 Leicester Fainga'anuku 12 Peter Umaga-Jensen 11 Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkins 10 Josh Jacomb 9 Tawera Kerr-Barlow 8 Shannon Frizell 7 Sam Cane 6 Peter O'Mahony (captain) 5 David Ribbans 4 Ruben van Heerden 3 Paul Alo-Emile 2 Camille Chat 1 Cian Healy. Bench: 16 Ricky Riccitelli 17 Hassane Kolingar 18 Will Collier 19 Josh Beehre 20 Hoskins Sotutu 21 Santiago Arata 22 Joe Marchant 23 Lachlan Boshier.
The Citizen
7 days ago
- Sport
- The Citizen
‘It's unreal, it's a complete dream come true': Morné van den Berg on playing for Boks
The diminutive scrumhalf was named in the starting line-up for the Boks' first match of the year against the Barbarians. Morne van den Berg will start at scrumhalf for the Boks against the Barbarians on Saturday. Picture: Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images Scrumhalf Morné van den Berg was named in the Springboks' starting line-up for this weekend's clash against the Barbarians in Cape Town. In October last year, just after the United Rugby Championship (URC) kicked off, Van den Berg said he was going to use lessons learnt in the national team to improve himself for the Lions' URC season. Despite his union missing the top eight cut a few weeks ago, therefore not making it into the quarter-finals of the championship, Van den Berg had a good season. Eight months after the start of the URC season, and the diminutive number nine still speaks highly of the lessons around putting the team first that he learnt with the Boks. 'It's selflessness on another level,' Van den Berg told The Citizen, at the launch of Boktown, the Castle Lager fan parks across the country, where South Africans can watch the reigning world champions. This was just days before Van den Berg was named in the starting line-up for the Boks' first game of the year. 'It's unreal, it's a complete dream come true. It's very hard to put into words,' he said about being part of the team. ALSO READ: Lions scrumhalf Morne van den Berg's big Bok lesson — being selfless Van den Berg cementing his place South African rugby is teeming with exciting talent in almost every position, with scrumhalf probably being one of the most contested. He understands this and says being selected is only the start. 'It's only the start to be selected … [you have to] really be good when you're there and to give it your all,' Van den Berg said. 'Just seeing the system, serving it, trying to add to it … really working hard to make the guys around you better and to become a better player and individual,' shared Van den Berg Van den Berg is named as the starting scrumhalf for the first Springbok match of the year, and despite the game against the Barbarians not being an official Test match, the 27-year-old is happy to have involvement in the team. 'I can't wait,' he said of the chance to wear the Bok No 9 jersey. ALSO READ: Exciting Springbok talents to be led by experienced heads in Barbarians tussle Bok camaraderie You would think someone new in the Bok fold, specifically one who wasn't part of the two back-to-back Rugby World Cup triumphs, would feel like a bit of an outsider when in the Bok team. However, Van den Berg says one the things that stands out for him is the camaraderie in the squad. 'The amount of time you spend together, you learn new stuff … for me personally it's learning new ways to do stuff. Getting a different perspective of how to play the game, how you can play the game, how other people see the game and those people really know the game. 'Just to sit around and hear the guys' stories I think that's the special part of it.' NOW READ: Bok newcomer Vincent Tshituka to finally realise rugby dream: 'Green and Gold is everything'
IOL News
25-06-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
Morne van den Berg's hoping to stay on Springbok radar on road to 2027 Rugby World Cup
RISING STAR Young scrumhalf Morne van den Berg (pictured) aims to secure his place in the Springbok squad as he prepares for the 2027 Rugby World Cup, drawing inspiration from legends like Bryan Habana and Fourie du Preez. Picture: Backpagepix Image: Backpagepix Young scrumhalf Morne van der Berg who will start in the number nine jersey against the Barbarians on Saturday, will be hoping to cement his place in the side with the Rugby World Cup just over two years out. Van den Berg was one of the young players included in the Springboks squad ahead of the busy international season. The Lions scrumhalf is coming off a good season in the United Rugby Championship and Challenge Cup, and with Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus focussing on squad rotation, it means the nuggety number nine could be in for some good game time in the green and gold. Van der Berg is likely fourth in line at scrumhalf behind Faf de Klerk, Grant Williams, and Jaden Hendrikse in the current squad. At 27, though, only Hendrikse is younger than Van den Berg as the road to the 2027 Rugby World Cup shifts into focus. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Dedication at Springbok Training Camp Being part of the Springbok training camp ahead of a busy international season starting with a clash against the Barbarians on June 28, is something that creates a few butterflies in the stomach of Van den Berg. 'It's been an incredible two weeks. The men are really working very hard. The plans are very exciting. So, yes, the levels are out of the park,' Van den Berg told in an exclusive interview at an SA Rugby Union announcement of new Bok Town fan viewing venues for the upcoming season. 'For me, I just want to serve the Springboks. Whether it's on the training field, whether it's on the field, I'm open to anything if the Boks need that." 'The dream is to get more caps. But the goal, like I said, is to serve the system. To really work hard, to play every weekend, to make sure that you're ready for every game.' Van den Berg's Focus on the Present Since Van den Berg is not yet a fixture in a powerful Springbok side, he cannot afford to pin his hopes on making it to the 2027 Rugby World Cup. 'At this stage, it's week by week. I think it will be a mistake to look so far ahead in terms of goals. Obviously, it will be such an incredible honour to be a part of that. But for now, my focus is just here and now, at this moment, to be the best that I can be." 'Yes, it's been incredible. It's been a dream. It's been a dream and at times it felt very far, but just to be able to be part of the squad, to have been able to play for the Springboks. It's been incredible. I definitely have to pinch myself sometimes.'
USA Today
10-06-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
North Carolina's David Glabicki leads Golfweek Senior National Championship at Grandover
North Carolina's David Glabicki leads Golfweek Senior National Championship at Grandover Even with a pair of heavy hitters highlighting the field at Grandover Resort in Greensboro, North Carolina, for the Golfweek Senior National Championship, a local North Carolinian is the one setting the pace. After 18 holes at the resort's East Course, David Glabicki from nearby Cary, North Carolina leads the field. Glabicki, who lives roughly 70 miles from Grandover, fired an even-par 72 in the first round. That included three birdies and three bogeys and was good for a single-shot lead on Kevin VandenBerg of Pulaski, New York. Glabicki finished in the top 10 at the Society of Seniors Jack Hesler earlier in the year and most recently was T54 at the Jones Cup Senior in February. Scores: Golfweek Senior National Championship His closest chaser, VandenBerg, is notorious for teeing it up nearly every week on the senior golf circuit. He has won Golfweek Senior Player of the Year honors the past two seasons. VandenBerg had a clean card on Monday but for a double-bogey on the par-4 11th. That canceled out a birdie on No. 9 and left him at 1-over par. Behind VandenBerg sits Bryan Hoops of Tempe, Arizona, who has won the last five senior events in which he has teed it up, including two Golfweek events in the California desert in April. Hoops had an uncharacteristically colorful card on Monday, going out in 40 on the front nine before coming home in 35 for a 3-over 75. In the Super Senior division, Stevie Cannady has the solo lead after a 2-over 74. Cannady, winner of the 2024 Golfweek Super Senior National Championship and a resident of Pooler, Georgia, is one shot ahead of Randy King of Horseshoe Bay, Texas, and Dub Huckabee of Midland, Texas. Both men posted 3-over 75 on Monday. Greg Goode of Salina, Kansas, and James Starnes of Ft. Myers, Florida, who are ranked No. 1 and No. 3, respectively, in Golfweek's National Senior Amateur Rankings, are tied for fourth at 76. Jeffrey Knox of Jupiter, Florida, leads the Legends division after a 1-under 71. Knox went out in 40 but fired an impressive back-nine 31 that included birdies at Nos. 11, 12, 14, 15 and 18. Pete Allen of Southport, North Carolina, leads the Super Legends division with a 1-over 73.
The Citizen
23-05-2025
- Business
- The Citizen
Tips for entrepreneurs looking for government tenders: R1 trillion infrastructure investment loading
Public infrastructure spending over three years will exceed the R1 trillion mark. Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana announced on Wednesday during his third budget speech that the National Treasury has earmarked R1 trillion for infrastructure investment. This could mean that many construction companies in South Africa will get a chance to bid to play a role in the upcoming infrastructure transformation. Roelof van den Berg, CEO of the Gap Infrastructure Corporation, said the government's multibillion-rand infrastructure plans could create significant opportunities, but only for businesses that understand how to navigate the complexities of the tendering process. 'We're seeing too many capable small contractors fail within their first few years, not because they lack skills or technical expertise, but because they're unprepared for public tender requirements in order to win projects.' ALSO READ: R1.3tn for infrastructure: Can SA deliver? Four tips to apply for tenders Van den Berg offers four insights into how new construction businesses can position themselves for future growth: 1. Registering with relevant regulatory bodies He said public sector projects require registration with several government departments and agencies before applying for tenders. 'The first critical registration is with the Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB), without which no contractor can apply for a public tender. 'Some exclusions apply, including joint ventures, subcontractors, labour-only contractors and home builders, which fall under the purview of the National Home Building Council (NHBC).' He noted that many emerging contractors delay their applications or submit incomplete forms, which can lead to weeks of setbacks and disadvantage smaller businesses. 2. Understanding the CIDB grading system and improving your rating Van den Berg added that, depending on its size and track record, a contractor might be excluded from larger public projects, with top contracts reserved for the highest-rated companies. 'CIDB Grade 1 has no criteria besides registration, but limits participation to projects below R500 000. Grades 2 through 9 demand that specific financial and performance metrics be met. 'Grade 2 companies can tender for projects of up to a million rand, but must show proof of completing a R130 000 project in the past five years. Grade 8 contractors can apply for R200 million projects, while Grade 9 companies have no cap – but both must have completed multimillion-rand projects successfully.' He advises treating each project as a stepping stone. 'Carefully and consistently maintain detailed records of timelines, costs, safety compliance and client feedback. Even tracking missteps can guide you to improve over the long term.' ALSO READ: Public-private partnership: key to infrastructure transformation 3. Including social responsibility essentials in tender applications He added that with growing recognition of the important role of corporate social responsibility in changing lives, the government is increasingly seeking contractors who share the aim of improving community well-being. 'You're far more likely to secure a tender if you can demonstrate how your involvement will contribute additional value in terms of upliftment or protecting local ecosystems.' He recommends committing to employing and training community members or contributing to development programmes, depending on capacity and budgets. 'Even smaller-scale initiatives can make a difference in a real and impactful way on the lives of others.' 4. Mitigating risks by subcontracting 'For smaller contractors who lack the capacity for entire projects, van den Berg suggests subcontracting with established firms.' He said this allows new or lower-graded businesses to handle parts of the work without taking on unmanageable risk while benefiting from the principal contractor's guidance. 'Working under an established brand is one of the best ways to learn the ropes. You can see how they manage timelines, compliance processes and stakeholder relationships, and apply that knowledge to your own business to help you move up the CIDB ranks.' Minister welcomes investment Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure Dean Macpherson welcomed the news of the investment. 'Infrastructure investment remains one of the most effective ways to achieve the government of national unity's (GNU's) goal to grow the economy and create jobs. 'As the department of public works and Infrastructure, together with Infrastructure South Africa (ISA), we stand ready to play our part in achieving this goal. By working together we are building a better South Africa.' Job recreation Godongwana, while delivering his third budget speech on Wednesday in Cape Town, said infrastructure is a rich source of jobs in construction, engineering and related industries across a range of skill levels. 'It is for these reasons that infrastructure is the fourth pillar of the growth strategy. This budget demonstrates our resolve to change the composition of spending from consumption to investment. 'Allocations towards capital payments remain the fastest-growing area of spending by economic classification. Public infrastructure spending over three years will exceed the R1 trillion mark.' NOW READ: Budget 3.0: Fuel levy replaced VAT hike but is it the better option?
