Reinach Identifies Key Springbok Adjustments Ahead Of All Blacks Cape Town Test
Springbok scrumhalf Cobus Reinach said the team had learned valuable lessons from their defeat to the All Blacks in their opening Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry Test in Johannesburg last week, and that the key was to continue growing as a unit ahead of Saturday’s second match-up at DHL Stadium in Cape Town.
Reinach also praised flanker Pieter-Steph du Toit and prop Ox Nche for reaching significant career milestones this weekend, with Du Toit set to earn his 100th Test cap and Nche his 50th. He said their achievements spoke volumes about the type of players and teammates they are.
Reflecting on their 33-16 defeat at 10bet Ellis Park, Reinach admitted that losing is never easy, but said the All Blacks deserved credit for their victory.
“They put us under pressure and made us do things that led to my yellow card, but it’s now up to us to work on that and see how we can defend certain things better or make better plans,” he said.
“The review after a loss is never good, but there are learnings, and as long as we take the lessons and grow as a team, we will be in a good place.”
With the All Blacks placing a strong emphasis on the breakdown, Reinach said it was not necessarily a case of the opposition targeting the Springbok scrumhalves, but rather that what happened last week had shown them what they needed to improve on this weekend.
“I don’t think they targeted us as individuals or No. 9s. They went after our breakdowns quite hard and tried to slow down the ball by throwing their legs in and doing other things,” said Reinach.
“We felt the pressure and knew we had to get the ball out somehow, and we have to work out ways around it. When we train, we try to emulate that and figure out ways in which we can improve.”
Reinach lauded Du Toit and Nche for their achievements this weekend.
“Pieter-Steph playing his 100th is a huge milestone, and it shows what type of player and person he is. He’s probably not the most vocal guy, but he leads in the way he plays. I’d rather play with him than against him, to be honest.
“Hats off to him as a player. He’s been through knee and shoulder injuries and many other setbacks, and he is still here, showing up week in and week out and continuing to perform as he does. So, we are very proud of him, and Ox, who will be playing his 50th Test this weekend. They are both amazing teammates.”
Reflecting on the experience of lining up against the haka, Reinach, who has faced the All Blacks a few times during his 54-Test career, said: “It’s awesome to stand there and listen to and watch the haka. They look you in the eye and it’s a challenge that they set, and we accept it.
“For us, it’s all about how we react to it. It’s their way of getting themselves ready for kick-off, and we respect it. It’s good to experience.”
The Springboks will wrap up their main training block in Johannesburg on Wednesday morning before travelling to Cape Town in the afternoon. They will have their final training session of the week during Friday’s captain’s run.
Issued by SA Rugby Communications
