Cobus Reinach Hits 50 As Rassie Unleashes Fresh-Look Springbok Side For Wales Showdown

When Cobus Reinach runs onto the Principality Stadium turf this Saturday, he will not just be covering the No 9 jersey. He will be carrying a decade of graft, late-career resurgence and the kind of quiet leadership South Africans have come to admire. The 35-year-old scrumhalf celebrates his 50th Test in Cardiff, a milestone many fans feel has been a long time coming.

For Reinach, the moment lands in the middle of a week where Rassie Erasmus has once again had to show his adaptability. With several overseas-based players unavailable because the Test falls outside the international window, Erasmus has shuffled his deck and produced a team that is still as fearsome as ever. And judging by the mood on local rugby socials, the milestone and the matchday 23 have already sparked plenty of excitement.

A Reshuffled Squad, But Nothing Short Of Heavyweight

The Boks close off their Outgoing Tour against Wales at 17:10 on Saturday, and Erasmus has rolled out nine changes to the side that beat Ireland in Dublin. It is a mix of continuity and strategic switch-ups, especially with big names like Malcolm Marx, Handre Pollard, RG Snyman, Cheslin Kolbe, Jesse Kriel and Pieter Steph du Toit unavailable this week.

In true Rassie fashion, instead of lamenting what he does not have, he doubled down on what he does. Several trusted Bomb Squad regulars have been moved into starting roles while seven players who took the field in Dublin retain their spots. The spine of the team remains intact with Siya Kolisi, Damian Willemse, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Ruan Nortje, Jasper Wiese, Damian de Allende and Canan Moodie all featuring again.

Up front, Gerhard Steenekamp earns his first Test start, linking up with Johan Grobbelaar and Wilco Louw in a front row built for collisions. Jean Kleyn joins Nortje in the engine room while Kolisi, Franco Mostert and Wiese round off a loose trio with plenty of bite.

The backline carries an intriguing blend of power and flair. Morne van den Berg partners Feinberg-Mngomezulu at halfback. Andre Esterhuizen joins De Allende in a physical midfield pairing, with Moodie and Ethan Hooker on the wings and Willemse patrolling at fullback.

Seven Forwards On The Bench Signals Rassie’s Intent

Perhaps the biggest talking point among fans has been Erasmus’s decision to load the bench with seven forwards and just one back. Social media reactions ranged from approving memes of rolling mauls flattening defenders to light-hearted jabs about Rassie playing 4D chess again.

The bench is stacked with Bongi Mbonambi, Zachary Porthen, Asenathi Ntlabakanye, Eben Etzebeth, Marco van Staden, Ben-Jason Dixon and Kwagga Smith. Reinach is the lone backline reserve, a role he is familiar with, and one that speaks volumes about the trust the coach has in him.

Erasmus has been open about the reasoning. Availability played a role but so did the confidence he has in the Bok pack, which has dominated opponents all season.

Why Reinach’s Milestone Matters

Reinach’s road to 50 has been anything but straightforward. Debuting in 2014, drifting out of Bok contention, then fighting his way back into the national setup, he has become a symbol of patience and professionalism. At 35, he is playing some of his sharpest rugby.

Erasmus was full of admiration this week, calling Reinach a true team man. His resurgence has reminded South Africans that careers do not have to follow a perfect arc. Sometimes the late bloom is the most powerful one. Across SA rugby communities, fans have applauded his longevity and work ethic. Plenty have pointed out that reaching 50 Tests in a Bok setup as competitive as this one says everything about Reinach’s character.

Why This Test Matters For Both Teams

This is not just a tour closer. With the 2027 Rugby World Cup draw around the corner, results matter for global rankings. Wales, who also had to release several players back to their clubs, will view this as an opportunity to scrap for a morale boost.

For the Boks, it is a chance to wrap up an impressive year. Erasmus has used 49 players in Tests this season, the clearest signal yet that he is preparing long term. And with a Cardiff crowd known for turning the stadium into a pressure cooker, Saturday’s clash promises to be one of those gritty, emotionally charged November matchups the northern tour is famous for.

Springbok Team To Face Wales

Starting XV
15 Damian Willemse
14 Ethan Hooker
13 Damian de Allende
12 Andre Esterhuizen
11 Canan Moodie
10 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu
9 Morne van den Berg
8 Jasper Wiese
7 Franco Mostert
6 Siya Kolisi (c)
5 Ruan Nortje
4 Jean Kleyn
3 Wilco Louw
2 Johan Grobbelaar
1 Gerhard Steenekamp

Replacements
16 Bongi Mbonambi
17 Zachary Porthen
18 Asenathi Ntlabakanye
19 Eben Etzebeth
20 Marco van Staden
21 Ben-Jason Dixon
22 Kwagga Smith
23 Cobus Reinach

For more rugby news checkout: SA Rugby Mag

{Source:SABC Sport}

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