My father inspired me, says new Bok
COBUS Reinach might have the innate ability to go it alone, but he insisted this week that he possesses the craft to fit into the Springboks’ game plan that increasingly places emphasis on synergy within the collective.
Bok coach Heyneke Meyer is desperate for his scrumhalves to dictate the pace and tempo of matches.
“I want our nines to play more to the ball. We need a nine that can give us quick ball, even if he isn’t the best player,” he reasoned this week.
Rookie Reinach, who was selected as one of three scrumhalves in the squad for the Rugby Championships, believes he can comply, even though he is often labelled as a player who is more at his best solo than in concert.
“It’s key to the way we play,” Reinach acknowledged. “If we get quick ball we are very dangerous. We have to work on it as scrumhalves. It’s a mindset.”
He has produced moments of sheer brilliance for the Sharks that advanced his claim for higher honours.
“It is the main reason for me being here,” he said about the contribution of his teammates.
“I am very grateful. I scored a few tries where I won’t take the credit for it because they were team efforts. I just finished it. Going into a ruck or a game, it is never about me. It is about getting the ball out. The focus is on the basics — passing, giving quick ball to my flyhalf or the forwards. If it opens up I don’t mind taking it, but if it’s not there I will not try to force it,” he said.
Although Reinach in large part earned his selection as a result of an injury to Fourie du Preez, he is on the cusp of fulfilling a lifelong ambition.
He wanted Bok colours to emulate his father Jaco, who played against the Rebel New Zealand Cavaliers in 1986.
“My dad is definitely my biggest inspiration, although he wasn’t there for the most part.
“With him being a Bok he was my inspiration to be a Bok as well. I wanted to make him proud. I have role models and heroes, but my dad is the biggest.
“When he died I was six years old, almost seven, and my baby brother had just been born.
“I watched a lot of videos of the Cavaliers when he played in 1986. I watched it quite a bit.”
His dad also broke the national 400m record and set it at a blistering 45.01secs.
“I watched that race long ago. It’s on tape, so if someone can help me get that I’d appreciate it,” said Reinach.