Cobus Reinach is targeting the 2027 Rugby World Cup after reaching 50 caps for the Springboks with a stellar performance in the 73-0 rout of Wales on Saturday in Cardiff.
The 35-year-old scrumhalf, who featured as the only backline replacement in a 7-1 Nuke Squad bench that was sent on to close out the game, says he has plenty more in the tank as he eyes the tournament in Australia and continues contributing to the world champions.
However, he said reaching his 50th cap was not about racking up international matches, but rather that it was a privilege to wear the green-and-gold jersey.
The Boks went unbeaten on their November tour, after victories over Japan, France, Italy, and Ireland, before defeating the Welsh at the Principality Stadium.
“It’s always special just to put on the jersey,” Reinach said after the victory.
“Whether it’s cap one or cap 140-odd like Eben (Etzebeth), it’s special. Putting the jersey on for my 50th was great with the Nuke Squad. It is every boy’s dream to play for the Springboks. Having done that now 50 times is unreal and something I’ll always be thankful for.”
According to Reinach, it is not just finishing unbeaten that has been excellent to see, but also the growth the Boks have shown over the last season.
They won 13 of their 15 matches for an 86.7% success rate as they continue to build towards the 2027 tournament in Australia and their title defence.
He reflected on the season and said they have learnt and adapted to circumstances far more than in previous years.
“As a team, we grew immensely as the games went on and even though we had a few setbacks, we learned more from them than just winning or putting in a good performance. If you take the entire season, plus the Autumn tour, it was an unreal one.
“The boys are learning and working hard. That is one thing I hope we never lose — the way we work for each other and how tight we are as a group.
“Maybe I still have two more World Cups in me,” he joked.
“I definitely feel good and still have a lot of energy in my legs. It is just my hairline that is going a little bit back, and the beard is getting thick. The competitiveness in each position pushes you to be better every day.
“If we keep going with that, I think there is a lot more in the tank.”
