CAPE TOWN – If the performance he produced on Sunday is anything to go by, then Stormers hooker Bongi Mbonambi could offer the Springboks a solution at hooker against England.
The Stormers were dealt a big blow when Mbonambi’s burst appendix ruled him out of their Super Rugby opener against the Jaguares.
He was initially expected to make his return following the Stormers’ three-match tour to Australasia, after he underwent emergency surgery on the eve of the Newlands opener, but further complications required another abdominal op – placing him on the injury list for three months.
Following that prognosis made in early March, Mbonambi’s chances of making the Bok squad for the three-Test series against Eddie Jones’ men were slim to non-existent, as only resuming training in June wouldn’t have given him enough time to up his match fitness.
But his start for Western Province in their 50-3 thrashing of the SWD Eagles during a SuperSport Challenge match in Oudshoorn on Sunday – in which the Bok hooker played well into the second half in his first match this year – should be enough to see him be involved against England, at least from the second Test onwards.
If the Stormers are satisfied with Mbonambi’s condition, his availability for Test duty would bring great relief to the Boks, who have been dealt a massive blow with first-choice No 2 Malcolm Marx’s lengthy injury layoff.
The Stormers face the Lions at Newlands on Saturday (5.15pm kickoff).
@WynonaLouw