When Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus revealed the touring squad for the end-of-year Tests earlier this week, one surprise was the decision to only include veteran Bongi Mbonambi in the back-up ‘standby group’.
The double World Cup winner has recently found himself usurped by some up-and-coming players such as Jan-Hendrik Wessels and Johan Grobbelaar, and it has led to questions over what the future may hold for Mbonambi.
However, just a couple of days after the omission of Mbonambi, it was controversially confirmed by the United Rugby Championship disciplinary board that Wessels has been suspended for nine games due to an act of foul play.
Although the Bulls are set to appeal the ruling, if there is no chance in the ban, it could well lead to Mbonambi being called up to the Springboks’ touring squad that will depart for the UK this weekend.
The 34-year-old has been named in the Sharks’ starting line-up for this Saturday’s URC game against the Scarlets, and he will hope to produce a big performance that reminds everyone of his enduring class.
The Springboks have yet to confirm if a replacement will be called up for Wessels, and it may be that the national team is waiting to see what the outcome of the Bulls’ appeal will be, but it’s clear that there is a need to add another hooker to the mix if the suspension remains unchanged.
It could open up a real opportunity for Mbonambi to return to the Springboks and make a case for continued selection if he receives an opportunity on the end-of-year tour.
Another option could also be to recall Marnus van der Merwe, who was a member of the squad throughout the Rugby Championship.
Will Bongi Mbonambi be added to the Springboks’ squad?
Forwards: Lood de Jager (Wild Knights), Ben-Jason Dixon (DHL Stormers), Pieter-Steph du Toit (Toyota Verblitz), Thomas du Toit (Bath), Eben Etzebeth (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Johan Grobbelaar (Vodacom Bulls), Jean Kleyn (Munster), Siya Kolisi (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Wilco Louw (Vodacom Bulls), Malcolm Marx (Kubota Spears), Franco Mostert (Honda Heat), Ox Nche (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Ruan Nortje (Vodacom Bulls), Zachary Porthen (DHL Stormers), Kwagga Smith (Shizuoka Blue Revs), RG Snyman (Leinster), Gerhard Steenekamp (Vodacom Bulls), Marco van Staden (Vodacom Bulls), Boan Venter (Edinburgh), Jan-Hendrik Wessels (Vodacom Bulls), Jasper Wiese (Urayasu D-Rocks).
Backs: Kurt-Lee Arendse (Vodacom Bulls), Damian de Allende (Wild Knights), Andre Esterhuizen (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu (DHL Stormers), Ethan Hooker (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Cheslin Kolbe (Suntory Sungoliath), Jesse Kriel (Canon Eagles), Manie Libbok (Kintetsu Liners), Canan Moodie (Vodacom Bulls), Handre Pollard (Vodacom Bulls), Cobus Reinach (DHL Stormers), Morne van den Berg (Lions), Edwill van der Merwe (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Damian Willemse (DHL Stormers), Grant Williams (Hollywoodbets Sharks).
Players on standby:
Forwards: Juarno Augustus (Ulster), Neethling Fouche (DHL Stormers), Bongi Mbonambi (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Salmaan Moerat (DHL Stormers), Asenathi Ntlabakanye (Lions), Evan Roos (DHL Stormers), Vincent Tshituka (Hollywoodbets Sharks).
Backs: Lukhanyo Am (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Sebastian De Klerk (Vodacom Bulls), Makazole Mapimpi (Hollywoodbets Sharks).
