Springboks Star Dismisses Claims He and Teammate Were Singled Out by All Blacks in Ellis Park Defeat
- Springbok scrumhalf Cobus Reinach pushed back on claims that he and Grant Williams were specifically targeted by the All Blacks
- Reinach revealed the Springboks have been working in training to counter New Zealand's breakdown pressure ahead of the second Test
- The scrumhalf also weighed in on Pieter-Steph du Toit's milestone 100th Test cap, sharing his honest thoughts on the flanker
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Springbok scrumhalf Cobus Reinach has dismissed suggestions that the All Blacks specifically targeted him and fellow scrumhalf Grant Williams during the first Test at Ellis Park.
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Ahead of the second Test, Reinach explained that New Zealand’s approach was focused on disrupting South Africa’s breakdown rather than deliberately targeting the two scrumhalves.
He said the All Blacks applied heavy pressure at the breakdown and used their legs to slow the ball, leaving the Springboks’ halfbacks to deal with the pressure and find ways to release the ball quickly.
Boks working on breakdown solutions in training
Reinach confirmed that the squad has deliberately recreated the pressure they expect to face during training this week, with the players working on different solutions ahead of Saturday’s clash.
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He explained that the team has been using training sessions to simulate match pressure and identify ways to improve their response when similar situations arise.
Reflecting on the yellow cards that disrupted South Africa’s momentum in the opening Test, Reinach admitted they had a negative impact but also credited New Zealand for creating the pressure that led to those incidents.
He acknowledged that the All Blacks forced South Africa into situations that resulted in the yellow cards and praised their ability to exploit those moments. Reinach added that the Springboks must now analyse those situations, improve their defensive approach and consider alternative strategies to avoid a repeat.
Reinach's tribute to du Toit's 100th cap
Reinach reserved special praise for flanker Pieter-Steph du Toit ahead of his 100th Test appearance, highlighting the veteran’s leadership qualities and his ability to set an example through his performances rather than his words.
The scrumhalf said reaching the 100-cap milestone reflected the quality of player and person Du Toit is. He described the flanker as someone who is not particularly vocal but leads through his actions on the field, adding that he would much rather have Du Toit as a teammate than face him as an opponent.
Du Toit’s landmark appearance adds an emotional element to an already high-pressure series decider, with the Springboks determined to produce a strong response after losing the opening Test.
Rassie Erasmus breaks silence on Springboks' loss
Briefly News also reported that Springboks head coach Rassie Erasmus spoke candidly after his side suffered a heavy defeat to the All Blacks in the first Test of the Greatest Rivalry series
South Africa led 13-12 at half-time but were outscored five tries to one in the second half as New Zealand dominated the Ellis Park clash.
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Source: Briefly News
