Bongi Mbonambi to become second Black player to captain Springboks
Bongi Mbonambi will become just the second Black player ever to captain the South Africa Springboks when he leads the world champions against Argentina in a Rugby World Cup warmup match in Buenos Aires on Saturday.
Regular captain Siya Kolisi, the first Black player to be named captain of the Boks, is still recovering from a knee injury. Stand-in captains Eben Etzebeth and Duane Vermeulen will not travel with the squad for the game.
Centre Lukhanyo Am, who was widely expected to captain the side, was named as vice-captain.
Mbonambi’s appointment comes at a significant milestone in his playing career. Saturday’s match will be his 60th Test.
Springboks coach Jacques Nienaber described Mbonambi as a “brilliant leader” and said he was proud of him.
“I mean, Bongi is one of our pressure point drivers or game drivers; he’s a no-nonsense leader and a guy that leads by example by doing the hard stuff,” Nienaber said.
“He doesn’t mince his words, he’s a straight shooter, and he’s a guy that demands respect.”
Nienaber added that Mbonambi’s communication with referees was exceptional and that would be a major factor for South Africa.
“With Bongi being a hooker, he is probably the guy that talks to the referee the majority of the time in terms of scrums and lineouts and set pieces.”
(Story compiled with assistance from wire reports)
