Smith & Reinach dissect loss to Bulls

Two SA A representatives who were involved in the loss to the Bulls yesterday have embraced an analytical attitude ahead of the commencement of the series against the British & Irish Lions next week. 

Kwagga Smith and Cobus Reinach were two starters in the match which the Bulls dominated towards the end. 

 “We lost momentum and didn’t dominate up front, but well done to the Bulls," said Smith. 

“We got the game time, we could see where we made mistakes and we can work on that from there. For now the focus is on our system. 

“We haven’t played Test matches in almost two years, so we got together and started working on it in the last three games (including the Test against Georgia), and we can now analyse that. 

“We need to use our opportunities because in a Test matches there aren’t many of them, so we have to convert them into points, and we have to sharpen up and get into our system and enforce it onto them.” 

Reinach viewed the failures on the field as an opportunity for improvement. 

“We left a lot of opportunities on the park, but that is something for us to look at, and each one of us has to look at our performance (individually). 

“We can improve, and we have to ensure that we do better when we find ourselves in a similar situation. We are aligned as a squad and we know what we have to do. 

“We need to execute what we want to do at a platinum standard, and everyone just needs to do their job and make sure they do it well. 

“Collectively we didn’t put our stamp down, but we can fix that, and we are feeling confident going forward. 

Asked what his views were regarding the Lions’ scrumhalf options, Reinach said: 

“Competition in any squad is good. 

“If one doesn’t have the best game or was put under pressure, someone is aligned and can step in and do the job. But the British & Irish Lions will know what to do. 

“It doesn’t matter who they choose - we need to do our thing and enforce our game plan on them.” 

The Boks also welcome back three players who have completed their two-week isolation periods and now join the squad; Dan du Preez, Bongi Mbonambi and Scarra Ntubeni.