Reinach: All Blacks targeted Springboks’ breakdown, not the scrumhalves
VIDEO: Springbok scrumhalf Cobus Reinach has dismissed suggestions that the All Blacks deliberately targeted South Africa’s scrumhalves during the opening Test at Ellis Park, insisting New Zealand’s real focus was the breakdown rather than the men wearing the No.9 jersey.
After the Springboks’ defeat, much of the spotlight fell on scrumhalf Grant Williams, who endured a difficult evening as the All Blacks repeatedly disrupted South Africa’s rhythm around the breakdown.
Reinach, who came off the bench and was later yellow carded for an intentional knock-on, said New Zealand’s pressure was applied across the breakdown rather than being aimed specifically at the scrumhalves.
“I don’t think they targeted us as individuals as No.9s,” Reinach said ahead of Saturday’s second Test in Cape Town.
“They went after our breakdowns quite hard and tried to slow down the ball with throwing their legs and other things.”
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The veteran scrumhalf explained that the pressure at the breakdown forced the Springboks into rushed decisions and errors as they searched for quick ball.
“We felt the pressure and we knew we had to get the ball out somehow. We have to work out ways around it.”
Reinach admitted his own yellow card was a direct consequence of the pressure New Zealand created.
“Credit to them. They put us under pressure and made us do things that led to my yellow card.
“Now it’s up to us to work on that and see how we can defend certain things better or make better plans.”
The Springboks have spent the week trying to recreate those breakdown scenarios in training as they prepare for the second Test.
“When we train, we try to emulate that and try to figure out ways in which we can improve.”
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Despite the disappointing result, Reinach believes the Springboks were in control for long stretches of the contest before accuracy deserted them.
“We were so close. We were very dominant up until about 60 minutes.
“We were just a bit inaccurate in a few departments and we have this week to fix it. Luckily in this competition we have four chances to get our game better.”
Reinach described the post-match review as a difficult but necessary exercise, saying the Springboks must learn from the way the All Blacks forced them into mistakes.
“The review after a loss is never good, but it’s learnings.
“As long as we take the lessons and grow as a team, we will be in a good place.”
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