Cobus Reinach has pushed back on the narrative that New Zealand specifically targeted South Africa's scrumhalves during the first Test at Ellis Park, arguing the All Blacks' focus was the breakdown rather than the individuals wearing the No.9 jersey.
"I don't think they targeted us as individuals as No.9s," Reinach said ahead of Saturday's second Test in Cape Town. "They went after our breakdowns quite hard and tried to slow down the ball with throwing their legs and other things."
Grant Williams bore the brunt of New Zealand's disruptive work at the breakdown, with South Africa's rhythm repeatedly broken as the Boks searched for quick ball. Reinach, who came on from the bench before being yellow carded for an intentional knock-on, acknowledged his own indiscretion was a direct product of that pressure.
"Credit to them. They put us under pressure and made us do things that led to my yellow card. Now it's up to us to work on that and see how we can defend certain things better or make better plans."
Reinach said the Springboks have spent the week trying to replicate those breakdown scenarios in training. "When we train, we try to emulate that and try to figure out ways in which we can improve."
Despite the defeat, Reinach believes the Springboks held the upper hand for a significant portion of the contest. "We were so close. We were very dominant up until about 60 minutes. We were just a bit inaccurate in a few departments."
With three Tests remaining in the series, Reinach is measured rather than alarmed. "As long as we take the lessons and grow as a team, we will be in a good place."