Reynolds can bring X-factor to the game
THE LIONS get their Currie Cup challenge underway this evening with several young stars looking to make a big impression. At the same time, some senior Super Rugby stars will be hoping for a good few weeks as they look to get back into the good books of national coach Rassie Erasmus.
Centres Jan-Louis la Grange and Manny Rass, loose forwards Hacjivah Dayimani, James Venter and Len Massyn, lock Rhyno Herbst and flyhalf Shaun Reynolds, among the starters, are some of the young players out to impress.
Springbok stars Andries Coetzee, Courtnall Skosan, Ross Cronje and Marvin Orie are the senior men the Lions will be banking on to get the team on the front foot in the coming weeks, while the specific individuals will also want to show Erasmus they should be in the national squad – either now or later in the year when the Boks tour to Europe.
Flyhalf Reynolds is one player hoping to make the most of the chance in front of him. The 23-year-old who learnt to kick under the watchful eye of 1980s and 90s Griffons star Eric Herbert gets his chance with Elton Jantjies involved with the Boks.
“I’m excited where I am now and ready for this opportunity,” said the former Goudveld High School pupil.
Reynolds said he’d learned a great deal from Jantjies and was now hoping to make it count on the field. “It’s been so good to have Elton around over the last few years. I’ve learned so much from him, with him having played over 100 Super Rugby matches,” he said.
“I’ve always looked up to him, his ability to lead a team… he’s an excellent player and everyone can learn from him.” Reynolds added his attacking prowess is what makes him a unique player. “I can bring X-factor (to the game),” he said. “I back my kicking, attacking, and defence; I just really want to give positive things to the team.”
With so many first-choice Lions players missing – some are with the Boks while others have left the union – there is a big opportunity awaiting all the players over the next few weeks.