Lions scrumhalf battle: Van den Berg leads the charge as Stormers visit Ellis Park

The spirited debate regarding the No 9 jumper at the Lions is set to add another layer to the discussion on Saturday when the Johannesburg-based outfit face the Stormers in the United Rugby Championship at Ellis Park (kick-off 2.30pm).

Currently, the incumbent scrumhalf at the union is Springbok Morne van den Berg, who is playing with a healthy degree of confidence, which was showcased in his Player of the Match performance against a lacklustre Sharks this past weekend.

He was well supported by Junior Springbok Haashim Pead, who had a solid 17-minute cameo in the 34-22 victory. The in-form "Krappie" is expected to start this weekend again against the Capetonians, but it seems that Nico Steyn will be his understudy instead.

There has been much discussion regarding the game time afforded to Pead, with a vocal group of supporters and pundits arguing that the 20-year-old should be handed more responsibility. While all three scrummies were spotted at practice on Tuesday at Johannesburg Stadium, Van den Berg and Steyn were seemingly the preferred pair in the probable matchday 23 squad.

Quizzed about the rotation policy regarding their half-backs, assistant coach Jaque Fourie revealed that the predicted weather this weekend will inform the technical team’s decision.

“We think the game is going to be wet on Saturday,” said Fourie. “Nico has got a good kicking game and is very physical.

"We’ve got three amazing scrumhalves, even with Krappie being at the Boks, that you always want to play. The other two, we are rotating to keep them fresh.”

Van den Berg — who has five Test caps to his name — echoed that sentiment, hinting at a robust relationship between the trio.

“Nico is an unbelievable player and so is Hashim,” said Van den Berg in Afrikaans. “We test each other nicely. We certainly make each other better.

"My motivation hasn't changed because of the competition — it is a good thing. I enjoy it and I learn from them, too. I enjoy the energy that they bring. They are a big part of my form but my drive to improve continues.”

“It’s about building experience and confidence,” Krappie continued.

“I'm really working hard throughout the week to get my confidence into the game and into the small skills. I am taking things that I learnt from the Boks, that I’ve learnt from guys like Cobus (Reinach), Faf (de Klerk), Grant (Williams), Jaden (Hendrikse) and bringing it here."

Former Bok Fourie would certainly have nodded in approval regarding Van den Berg’s attitude, having inspired his teammates during his playing days as well.

Said Fourie: “Krappie, when you see him train, that is the way he plays.

"He brings a lot of confidence and experience. He hasn't played a lot of Bok games but the experience he gets in the national camp from the other scrumhalves, which he brings back, is invaluable for our other nines."

Meanwhile, the only injury concern that will impact the Lions’ matchday 23 against the Stormers this weekend will be the absence of Ruan Venter. The burly loose-forward was mesmerising against the Sharks this past weekend but will miss the clash due to failing concussion protocols.

“The only one is Ruan,” said Fourie. “He came off in the game and passed the (head injury assessment) test but then came back with symptoms later on Sunday.”

* Morgan Bolton is the national sports editor for Independent Media and editor of our YouTube channel The Clutch