Reinach ‘fizzing’ to go – Gold
The livewire scrumhalf returned from the Springbok camp after he was left out of the 31-man squad heading to the Rugby World Cup this month. Reinach has been training with the Sharks all week and has been handed a starting berth.
“I’ve always been a believer of this - if you come back from international duty you deserve to come back in. Other people have other views which I understand but Cobus has been with us through Super Rugby, he did his rehab here then went to join the Boks,” Gold said.
"When he was available again, he came back into the starting lineup – he’s hungry for game time.”
Many pundits were gobsmacked at Reinach’s omission from the Bok squad and Gold admitted the scrumhalf was bitterly disappointed. However the coach insisted that his Springbok halfback wanted to be in tip-top shape should he be needed at the World Cup.
“Obviously it’s very disappointing for him but his attitude has been exceptional. He’s been a livewire at training and if anything happens to go wrong he wants to be in good shape to be able to get a call up.”
Saturday’s clash promises to serve up an enticing battle of the half backs. Both Reinach and Pumas scrumhalf Faf de Klerk were well in the running for a spot at the World Cup. However both were overlooked and go head to head in Currie Cup action this weekend.
While Reinach is looking to keep in top form, Gold said there was no pressure on the halfback to deliver top-class performances.
“Considering what he does and his x-factor, if he sees the opportunities and considering how fit he is now, that will come naturally to him. There certainly is no pressure from us that he has to come and spark that x-factor. He has it, we’ve seen it on many occasions."
“He’s one of the nines in South Africa whose support lines are absolutely outstanding so he always pitches up in the right place at the right time. If there is a line break on the edge, Cobus is on the inside the whole time. His defensive work is fantastic and his speed around the breakdown is good.”
“It’s going to be a good game between him and Faf, there are going to be two very good scrumhalves asking questions on the weekend. From our point of view, it’s fantastic to have him back. He’s had a fantastic attitude in very disappointing times. I genuinely believe he is excited to be back.”
The Sharks host the Pumas at Growthpoint Kings Park on Saturday. Kickoff is at 15h00.
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