REINACH REACHES 50 AS BOKS LOCK IN SQUAD FOR WALES TEST

Scrum-half Cobus Reinach will notch up his 50th Test cap this weekend as the Springboks lock in a familiar-looking squad for their showdown with Wales at the Principality Stadium.

It’s a big moment for the 35-year-old, who’s become one of South Africa’s most reliable and hard-working campaigners.

Coach Rassie Erasmus has opted for continuity in his selections, even after making nine changes from the side that edged Ireland last week,  changes driven mostly by players returning to their clubs.

Gerhard Steenekamp earns his first Test start, while leaders like Siya Kolisi, Jasper Wiese, Canan Moodie and Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu hold onto their places.

On the bench, Erasmus has gone for a muscle-heavy forward combination, leaving only one slot for backline cover and Reinach fills that role. According to the coach, this structure reflects both player availability and the physical strengths of his pack.

Erasmus was full of praise for Reinach’s consistency, saying he’s “grabbed every opportunity” and fully deserves the milestone, especially at this stage of his career.

With both teams short a handful of players due to club duties, Saturday’s game is shaping up to be fierce and uncompromising, and for the Boks, it’s also a chance to finish the year strong while celebrating a veteran who’s earned every bit of his moment.

Image credit: Reuters