It took Reinach more than 11 years to achieve this special career milestone after making his debut in 2014, and the Bok scrumhalf made no secret of the fact that he had his sights set firmly on trying to secure a spot in the 2027 Rugby World Cup squad.

“It’s always special just to put on the Springbok jersey,” said Reinach.

“If it's cap one or cap 140 odd like Eben (Etzebeth), it's special. But playing my 50^th Test was definitely great.

“It's every boy's dream to play for the Springboks and having done that 50 times is unreal. It's a privilege and something I'll always be thankful for.”

Reinach’s achievement was not only memorable for joining the select group of players who have played 50 Tests, the fact that it happened in a match which wrapped up another successful November tour for the team made it even more remarkable.

“For us, it wasn’t just about the end-of-the-year tour. It was about the whole season,” he said.

“We learned and adapted more than previously, and I think we grew immensely as a team. Even though we had a few setbacks, we probably learned more from those games than winning or delivering a good performance. So, if you take the whole season plus the November tour, it was amazing.”

The nippy scrumhalf added: “The guys are learning and working hard, and hopefully that's one thing we'll never lose. The way we work for each other and how tight knit we are as a group is special.”

Of his 2027 RWC aspirations, Reinach said: “I definitely want to play another one or maybe two. I feel good, and there’s a lot of energy in the legs. It’s just my hairline that’s moving back a little, and my beard is thicker.

“But the way we are here (in the team) and how competitive everyone is in each position pushes you to be stronger and better every day. So, if we can keep on with that, I think there's a lot more in the tank.”

Commenting on what makes the Bok team so special, Reinach said it was a collective effort.

“It's thanks to everyone – the management do their thing, and how the players buy in contribute to it,” said Reinach.

“If we hit highs or lows, it doesn't really matter, because the players and management pick you up. The closeness of the group and how we want to work for each other, and everyone back home makes it a privilege to be here, and everyone understands that.”

Reinach also thanked the die-hard Springbok supporters for their passion for the team throughout the season and said: “From London to here in Wales, France, Ireland, and everywhere, thank you very much. We are all over the world, but it doesn't matter. We are one, and we thank you for what you do.

“We can't do what we do without you, and you are the reason for keeping us going. We appreciate it, we need you, and we'll keep fighting for you.”

While some players returned to their clubs and provincial unions on Sunday, the remainder of the team departed for London to South Africa.