Reinach: Work Continues As Springboks Turn Focus To November Tour
Cobus Reinach, who scored two tries as the Springboks clinched back-to-back Rugby Championship titles with a thrilling victory over Argentina, says the work is far from over as they now turn their attention to a five-match tour in November.
The Springboks departed London on Sunday night following their dramatic 29-27 win against the Pumas in the tournament decider. Their upcoming tour will see them face Japan, France, Italy, Ireland, and Wales in a demanding end-of-year campaign across Europe and the UK.
A group of Springbok players arrived back in South Africa on Monday, still processing the magnitude of securing consecutive Rugby Championship triumphs. Despite the celebrations, Reinach’s focus has already shifted to the challenges ahead.
“You could see in the tournament how we’d lose one, win one, lose again, and then win a match,” said Reinach, who scored two tries against the Pumas.
“Rugby is a strange game. But we know we have a lot of work to do before the year-end tour, and we are all ready and excited to do it. It’s going to be tough, but we’re ready to put in the work.”
It wasn’t all smooth sailing for the Boks, who suffered defeats to Australia and New Zealand. Yet, they managed to hold their nerve and retain the title — marking the first time South Africa have won consecutive Rugby Championship titles.
This year’s competition was one of the tightest in history, with all four nations in contention for the trophy heading into the final weekend.
Reflecting on their historic Rugby Championship win on Saturday, Reinach – who was named Player of the Match – said: “The last time that we won a proper Castle Lager Rugby Championship title before last year was several years ago.
“It’s a really tough competition, and Argentina showed it. Anything could have happened, and any of the teams could have almost won, so it’s a great feeling.”
Commenting on how highly the competition triumph rated in his career, the nippy scrumhalf said it was amongst the best he’s experienced.
“I’m someone who doesn’t really look back at achievements before I’m done, and I’m not done,” he said.
“What I can say is that it’s unbelievable. One day I’ll be able to sit down properly and tell you what it means, I suppose.”
Reinach admitted that although the final match was a proper grind, they had no doubt that Argentina would come out guns blazing and give everything to try to wrap up their campaign on a high note.
“Looking at where they come from, their country, and their team, we knew they would come out firing,” he said.
“They have a lot of fight in them. They are a team that doesn’t stop giving up, and they showed that. There were stages in which we had to chase a few tails and shadows, and luckily, we maintained that. But credit to Argentina, they are a good team.”
Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus is expected to announce his squad for the November tour within the next two weeks, with the team set to reassemble later in October.
