Boks Strengthen Alignment: Mbonambi and Mchunu to Dublin vs. Ireland

South Africa Strengthens its Frontline to Face Ireland

The South African rugby team has reinforced its forward pack ahead of the crucial match against Ireland in Dublin this weekend. The team has called up hooker Bongi Mbonambi and prop Ntuthuko Mchunu to strengthen their ranks. The “Boks” were reduced to 14 players for the second consecutive time on Saturday, after Franco Mostert was red-carded against Italy. The reason was a tackle in which he did not wrap his arms and allegedly made contact with the opponent’s head. This situation forced the coaching staff to make several early changes to balance the scrum. In addition, the absence of Lood de Jager, also due to a red card in the match against France, made it necessary to incorporate new players.

This is a longer tour than usual and we have two big matches against Ireland and Wales, which motivated the decision to call up Bongi and Ntuthuko.

Rassie Erasmus, head coach of the Boks

Erasmus added that both players have proven their worth on the international stage, so they are excited to have them in the group. In addition, several players will not be eligible for the last match of the tour against Wales, as the match is held outside the international window. South Africa has won all three matches of this tour of the UK and Europe so far and is eager to face Ireland. The Irish arrive after a resounding victory against Australia last weekend, with a score of 46-19. Damian Willemse, named “Man of the Match” against Italy, commented on the challenge of playing in the Republic of Ireland:

This group of players hasn’t won at the Aviva Stadium yet, and that’s definitely a goal for us. We want to deliver a solid performance, but it will be a great match.

Damian Willemse

Willemse also expressed that they are looking forward to playing in Dublin and that they will need every member of the team and the coaching staff to achieve the desired result in Ireland. He acknowledged that Ireland is a world-class team and that they know what they are capable of, especially in Dublin. The match will start at 17:40 UK time and 19:40 South Africa time.