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 shot down speculation that the All Blacks drew up a specific game plan to disrupt him and fellow nine Grant Williams during the first Test at Ellis Park.
Speaking ahead of the second Test, Reinach argued that New Zealand's interference was part of a wider breakdown strategy rather than a personal targeting of South Africa's halfbacks.
"I don't think they targeted us as individuals at nine," Reinach said. "I think they went after the breakdown quite hard, trying to slow the ball down with their legs and things like that. All we can do is feel the pressure and find ways to get the ball out."
## Boks Working on Breakdown Solutions in Training
Reinach confirmed the squad has made a point of replicating that pressure on the training field this week, with players actively working through solutions before Saturday's clash.
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"When we get to the field we'll find ways to do it," he said. "The guys in training have been trying to emulate that, working on how we can improve."
On the yellow cards that disrupted South Africa's rhythm in the first Test, Reinach was measured but honest. He acknowledged the cards were damaging while being quick to give New Zealand credit for engineering those moments.
"It's never good," he said. "But credit must go to New Zealand, they put us under pressure and made us do things that led to the yellow cards. They did a good job there. Now it's on us to look at how we can defend those situations better or make a different plan."
## Reinach's Tribute to Du Toit's 100th Cap
Reinach reserved special praise for flanker Pieter-Steph du Toit, who is set to earn his 100th Test cap. The scrumhalf described his teammate as a leader whose actions speak far louder than his words.
"Playing 100 caps is a huge milestone, and it shows what type of player and person he is," Reinach said. "He's probably not the most vocal guy, but he talks with the way he plays and leads with the way he plays. I'd rather play with him than against him."
Du Toit's landmark appearance adds an emotional dimension to what is already a high-stakes series decider, with the Springboks looking to respond emphatically after the first Test result.
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Source: Briefly News
