Shaun ready to prove pedigree
LIONS PIVOT HAS LEARNED FROM THE BEST Currie Cup great stepping stone for the Lions’ young bridgade, believes flyhalf.
As a schoolboy at Goudveld High School in Welkom young Golden Lions flyhalf Shaun Reynolds got taught the finer art of kicking from former renowned Northern Free State pivot Eric Herbert.
And tomorrow night in the Lions Currie Cup opener against Griquas at Ellis Park, Reynolds is keen to put it to good use having moved out of the shadows of Elton Jantjies and Marnitz Boshoff.
“When I was at school I learned from Eric and he was actually my kicking coach in Grade 11 and 12, but I think I can take him on,” chirped the 23-year-old Reynolds.
Having played Craven Week for the Griffons for two years in 2012 and 2013 Reynolds was lured by the Lions and said it was the best option for him at the time.
“I’m really excited about this weekend and I think I’m ready for the opportunity. In Super Rugby I learned from Elton (Jantjies) who has 100 Super Rugby caps, I look up to him and every day I learned from him. His leadership and how he stayed composed,” he said.
At 1.87m and 91kg, Reynolds believed he can bring the X-factor to the game, saying he backs his kicking ability and trust his attack and defence and hope to add value to the team.
“I love playing at No 12 too and played a bit at school and also at the Lions Under-21s, No 10 and 12 for me is the same position. I like taking the ball forward and attack the line,” he said.
Reynolds believes the youngsters bring a lot of excitement and speed and he can’t wait to see what they come up with tomorrow.
“There’s a lot of opportunity for the younger guys after Super Rugby with a lot of the senior guys overseas or at the Boks.
“I think the Currie Cup is a great stepping stone to put your name out there,” he said.
And is there something about him that people might not know?
“I come from Welkom and not a lot of people even know where that is. No traffic lights ... just circles,” he chirped.