The Montpellier factor in series decider

SPOTLIGHT: Springbok scrumhalf Cobus Reinach says the understanding between himself and Handre Pollard is one that Boks can rely on.

Reinach comes in for the injured Faf De Klerk for the series decider against the British and Irish Lions on Saturday.

Losing De Klerk is a big blow for the Boks, but Pollard will have the luxury of playing alongside his Montpellier halfback partner on Saturday.

The duo spent a European season together and although Pollard missed most of it due to his anterior cruciate ligament injury, Reinach believes they have built a good relationship on and off the field.

“We probably spent a whole year having breakfast together,” said Reinach.

“The understanding was quite good even though it was mostly in training.

“Also, the way we train here [Spingbok camp], you can find your combination and find your feet and build relationships in the time you’ve been here.

“We’ve been together for a long time. The relationships between everyone here is probably the highest it can be.”

Cobus Reinach on developing strong on-field relationships with teammates. 🗣#StrongerTogether #StrongerForever #CastleLionsSeries pic.twitter.com/b06RFk8ZVY

— Springboks (@Springboks) August 3, 2021

Reinach believes his inclusion in the team won’t be much of a disruption after he was not involved in the first two Tests.

“Faf is left-footed, and I am right-footed. I don’t think it matters too much.

“We all know what to do. We all have our jobs and it doesn’t change if it’s me, Faf or Herschel [Jantjies].

“It’s just about us going out there and executing things to the best of our ability,” the 31-year-old added.

Ali Price will be wearing the B&I lions’ No.9 jersey for Saturday’s decider and Reinach believes the tourists will try to speed the game up.

“They probably want to start with a little bit more pace and throw the ball around,” said the scrumhalf.

“They got a team that can do anything. We just have to be ready for anything.

“They got Conor [Murray] who has been around for a long time who can come on and close a game down.

“Ali is a quicker No.9 and Conor will bring calmness to the team.”