5 reasons why the Springboks need to pick Bongi Mbonambi

The Springboks are holding their breath over the availability of Malcolm Marx for this weekend’s Test against Italy in Padua.

Team management earlier this week confirmed that the dynamic, bruising hooker will be given the maximum amount of time to recover from a soft tissue blow to his shoulder.

However, some reports have noted that Bongi Mbomambi has a “good chance” of wearing the No 2 jersey on Saturday.

And that’s no bad thing.

Here’s why Mbonambi deserves a chance.

REASON 1: The Springboks do have a commitment to transformation

The South African Rugby Union’s strategic transformation plan calls for 50% representation by the 2019 World Cup.

It’s a noble goal but it means nothing if black players only sit on the bench and don’t get developed properly.

There already was a bit of a perception problem earlier this year when Mbonambi was dropped from the match-23 in the last two Rugby Championship games for Chiliboy Ralepelle despite hardly actually playing.

On paper, he’s considered the second-choice hooker in the national side.

It’s time to prove it.

REASON 2: Somewhere the Boks need to build depth in the position

There can’t be too many complaints about Marx being the undisputed No 1 in the hooker position.

But he’s started in every Test in 2017 and played 75 minutes for the majority of those matches.

Had Marx been more seriously injured after Paris last weekend, the folly of Allister Coetzee not rotating a bit more would’ve been even more visible.

The Springboks need to realise that injuries strike at the most inopportune times and that depth is of vital importance.

Mbonambi really needs to start playing more regularly.

REASON 3: There’s no reason to risk Marx

The Springboks have surely faced (and are still going to) sterner challenges than Italy on this tour.

Since their upset win over Coetzee’s troops last year, they’ve only won once in 11 Tests.

And that was against Fiji.

Surely this is the type of opposition where you introduce Mbonambi properly to Test rugby and give Marx a real rest to prevent a longer term injury.

If Mbonambi can’t be trusted against Italy, how on earth can he be trusted against bigger opponents?

REASON 4: Mbonambi has strengths that make him a very solid alternative

The 26-year-old isn’t some flash-in-the-pan selection.

He’s been first-choice hooker for the Stormers for the past two seasons and has proved his capabilities at Super Rugby level.

Mbonambi is a very good scrummer, as evidenced by his part in a solid Stormers set-piece.

His throw-ins are reliable and an underrated defender.

In fact, he made 22 dominant tackles in this year’s Super Rugby tournament – it places him in the top 10 in that category.

He’s not flashy but very reliable.

REASON 5: To leave him out due to “continuity” would be dishonest

Springbok forwards coach Matt Proudfoot boasted earlier this week about consistent selection policy when it comes to the pack.

That’s not quite true.

There have been two different looseheads, three tightheads, four locks and various loose trio changes.

It will be the same again this weekend with Siya Kolisi being absent on parental duty.

Mbonambi’s inclusion shouldn’t disrupt the Boks too badly.

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