South African star Cobus Reinach is in a “good space” ahead of Sunday morning’s Rugby World Cup semi-final against England, despite receiving death threats – including one targeting his young son.
The Springboks scrum-half was sent threatening messages on social media following the side’s thrilling 29-28 win over host nation France in the quarterfinal.
But South Africa assistant coach Mzwandile Stick said the 33-year-old would not be deterred by “hooligans” as the reigning champions attempt to qualify for the final.
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“He’s in a good space – he’s got his family around him,” he told reporters.
“The French rugby, the security around our hotels … the security is just another level. At the moment, I don’t think it’s something to worry about as we are well protected.”
Stick said Reinach, who plays for French club Montpellier, had his family with him and had the full support of the Springboks camp.
“We are well aware of the situation with Cobus and his family,” he said.
“We don’t have a place for hooligans in our game.
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“The players, they do their job to make sure that they represent their country … we are here to represent South Africa. If somebody has got a problem with that, I think the French authorities will have to deal with that.
“We’ll make sure we protect each other as a team. We don’t have a place for that in our game.
“You win some, you lose some as part of the game. I’m disappointed to whoever sent that message to a player.
“I think it’s well-handled now between the authorities.”
Reinach has been backed to start for the World Cup holders once again alongside fly-half Manie Libbok in the last four game in Paris.
Despite an underwhelming record since Steve Borthwick replaced Eddie Jones last December, England have grown in confidence at the tournament to win all their pool matches before edging Fiji 30-24 in the quarter-finals.
But they’ve have lost X-factor player Marcus Smith for the clash after he was ruled out due to a head injury against Fiji.
Freddie Steward has been recalled at fullback as England coach Steve Borthwick made three changes.
“We’re all really looking forward to it,” Borthwick said of the last-four clash.
“Players are relishing this opportunity.”
But the coach has played down any thoughts of revenge from the 32-12 defeat by the Boks in the World Cup final four years ago.
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“We’re in a different context now,” Borthwick said. “We know what a top-quality side they are, with a great coaching team.”
The semi final between South Africa and England is from 6am AEDT on Sunday.
England: Freddie Steward; Jonny May, Joe Marchant, Manu Tuilagi, Elliot Daly; Owen Farrell (capt), Alex Mitchell; Ben Earl, Tom Curry, Courtney Lawes; George Martin, Maro Itoje; Dan Cole, Jamie George, Joe Marler Replacements: Theo Dan, Ellis Genge, Kyle Sinckler, Ollie Chessum, Billy Vunipola, Danny Care, George Ford, Ollie Lawrence Coach: Steve Borthwick (ENG)
South Africa: Damian Willemse; Kurt-Lee Arendse, Jesse Kriel, Damian De Allende, Cheslin Kolbe; Manie Libbok, Cobus Reinach; Duane Vermeulen, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Siya Kolisi (capt); Franco Mostert, Eben Etzebeth; Frans Malherbe, Bongi Mbonambi, Steven Kitshoff Replacements: Deon Fourie, Ox Nche, Vincent Koch, RG Snyman, Kwagga Smith, Faf de Klerk, Handre Pollard, Willie le Roux Coach: Jacques Nienaber (RSA)
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