Returning Bok: I’m so excited I can’t sleep at night

Reinach has not featured in Bok colours since the final Test of last year when he started in an enthralling clash against England at Twickenham.

Although the 32-year-old has been part of the Springboks’ squad since the start of the new Test season, he has spent the majority of this time completing his rehabilitation from an injury.

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Reinach will now provide cover for Jaden Hendrikse off the replacements bench in this Saturday’s all-important Rugby Championship rematch against the Wallabies.

The experienced scrumhalf said that although he did not have much game time recently, he was raring to go.

“If you look at the way we train I don’t think anyone is coming in cold,” said Reinach. “We go full on at training, as we train the way we want to play. I have also been part of the squad from the beginning of the season, so even though I haven’t played in months I’m excited to get onto the park and play.

“It is really nice to be back, I’m so excited to get onto the field I can’t sleep at night.”

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Meanwhile, Deon Fourie, who made his Bok debut as a replacement flanker in the second Test against Wales ins July, has been named as replacement hooker for Malcolm Marx, who will start in the No 2 jersey after a number of barnstorming appearances off the bench.

Playing at hooker is nothing strange for Fourie, as he played there for several years before making the switch to flanker.

“In my 16 years as a professional rugby player I’ve played more at hooker than flanker, so I am more experienced at hooker,” said Fourie. “Throwing in the lineouts is only a small part of the game. There are many other areas to the game too.

“That said, I’ve been training hard, and it has been going well, so I’m looking forward to this chance. Some people may think it is negative to be a utility player, but I think it is great for the team if you have a player who can cover two or three positions.”

THE BOK MATCHDAY SQUAD FEATURES SEVERAL CHANGES

Springboks – 15 Willie le Roux, 14 Canan Moodie, 13 Jesse Kriel, 12 Damian de Allende, 11 Makazole Mapimpi, 10 Damian Willemse, 9 Jaden Hendrikse, 8 Jasper Wiese, 7 Franco Mostert, 6 Siya Kolisi, 5 Lood de Jager, 4 Eben Etzebeth, 3 Frans Malherbe, 2 Malcolm Marx, 1 Steven Kitshoff.
Subs: 16 Deon Fourie, 17 Ox Nche, 18 Trevor Nyakane, 19 Kwagga Smith, 20 Duane Vermeulen, 21 Cobus Reinach, 22 Frans Steyn, 23 Warrick Gelant.

Australia – 15 Reece Hodge, 14 Tom Wright, 13 Len Ikitau, 12 Hunter Paisami, 11 Marika Koroibete, 10 Noah Lolesio, 9 Nic White, 8 Rob Valetini, 7 Fraser McReight, 6 Jed Holloway, 5 Matt Philip, 4 Rory Arnold, 3 Allan Alaalatoa, 2 Folau Fainga’a, 1 James Slipper (c).
Subs: 16 David Porecki, 17 Scott Sio, 18 Taniela Tupou, 19 Darcy Swain, 20 Rob Leota, 21 Pete Samu, 22 Jake Gordon, 23 Andrew Kellaway.