The Vodacom Bulls can expect a hostile reception from the Scarlets when they get to Llanelli ahead of Friday night’s Vodacom United Rugby Championship match and it will come from a very familiar face indeed - former Bok Albert van den Berg.
Van den Berg, who until recently was assistant coach at the Lions, is now assistant coach at the Scarlets and is relishing the opportunity to have a crack at the much-vaunted Bulls pack this weekend.
So much so that he told the Scarlets website his team will be fired up, especially after their shock win over Cardiff last weekend.
“They have got a great team, a lot of Springboks,” Van den Berg said about the Bulls.
“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.”
Van den Berg remembers his time well under White as part of the Springbok side that claimed the World Cup in 2007 and said the Bulls will be clear about what they want to get out of the game.
“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,” he explained.
“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 instill 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.”
DISCIPLINE A BIG FACTOR
Like the Bulls, Scarlets had to fight a lopsided fight against Cardiff when they went down to 13 players last week, and Van den Berg warned that discipline would be key to combating the Pretoria side.
“Discipline is going to be a big factor. We know the 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.”
The win over Cardiff was massive for Scarlets, as they had been written off before the game, and has given the team a lot of confidence.
“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,” Van den Berg smiled.
The tall lock is clearly enjoying his time in Wales, and while he says he has had to get used to the weather, he is enjoying the coaching experience.
“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.
“The URC 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.”
Scarlets will name their side for the clash on Thursday.