Reinach relishing first north-south derby

Cobus Reinach expects the Stormers’ Vodacom URC showdown against the Bulls at Cape Town Stadium on Saturday to be a special occasion.

The 35-year-old scrumhalf, who recently returned to South Africa after club stints in England and France, admitted the fixture carries a unique weight.

“I haven’t played in South African derbies for a long time, and I’ve never played in this one,” said Reinach, who represented the Sharks from 2011 to 2017.

“Just hearing the boys talk about it, you realise how big it is. It’s going to be physical, it’s going to be a full house, and it’s a proper contest.”

Stormers defence coach Norman Laker – sitting alongside Reinach – labelled the Bulls clash “the biggest game of the season outside of the playoffs”, adding that a sold-out stadium is expected.

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Asked to compare the traditional north-south derby to those he had experienced abroad, Reinach said the closest fixture was the East Midlands derby between the Northampton Saints, where he spent three seasons, and the Leicester Tigers.

“That was massive,” he said. “In France there are rivalries too, but this feels different. The north-south derby is something special in South African rugby.”

“The Lions [two weeks ago] was the first derby I had coming back and it’s tough,” he said. “You forget how tough it is to play against your own people.”

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Having joined the Stormers after eight years abroad, Reinach said he has settled quickly.

“I’m really happy to be here. The culture is something I’ve missed dearly, and the way the Stormers play suits me – fast, attacking rugby with quick ball.”

Despite his age, Reinach insists he is not slowing down and still has clear goals in his career.

“You’ve got to look after yourself. Recovery, conditioning and being honest with your body – rugby doesn’t stop,” he said. “I still have goals. I want to contribute here, and I’d be lying if I said I’m not thinking about [the] 2027 [World Cup].”

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Looking ahead to Saturday’s clash, Reinach was quick to dismiss talk of the struggling Bulls being easy pickings for the unbeaten Stormers.

“If you look at the individuals and the whole team, I don’t think they’re a weakened side or a weak side. I think they were a bit unlucky with a few games and one win and the whole thing turns around and the snowball starts going.”

He expects the Bulls, with their backs to the wall, to come out swinging.

“We will have to be on top of our gaming in every department.”

Photo: Grant Pitcher/Gallo Images