Mbonambi still in the frame, says Coetzee

CHRISTCHURCH: Why drop Bongi Mbonambi when he has played only seven minutes in South Africa’s six Tests before today’s match with the All Blacks?

That was one of the main talking points after coach Allister Coetzee named his side on Wednesday for the Rugby Championship match at AMI Stadium (9.35am SA time).

Mbonambi made his debut with one minute of game time at the end of the Springboks’ third Test against Ireland in June. He also played the final six minutes against Australia in Brisbane a week ago. In the Boks’ other four Tests this season he has sat on the bench.

This week he was told he would not be facing the All Blacks today and that Malcolm Marx, the 22-year-old Lions rookie, would be taking his place on the bench.

Coetzee explained this week that he wanted Adriaan Strauss, the first-choice hooker, on the field for as long as possible because he was the team’s captain. He also said he had no preferred secondchoice hooker; Mbonambi and Marx were in the same boat but Mbonambi had been preferred until now because he had more experience.

“I’m happy with the impact Bongi has made, especially last weekend against Australia,” said Coetzee. “I know Bongi can survive at this level, and I know he can play Test rugby. I know him (from the Stormers).

“I know what Malcolm did for the Lions in Super Rugby this year, but I must also see what he can do in Test rugby.

“It’s a difficult situation because both Bongi and Malcolm are this team’s future hookers and they need to get opportunities, but they’re also playing behind the captain. That doesn’t help.

“The fact is, at the end of the year Adriaan is not going to be around anymore, so I’m going to have to mix it up between Bongi and Malcolm so they’re ready to take over next season. That’s the positive thing… they’re both very promising hookers and they’ll be fighting it out over the remaining few Tests to be No 1 in 2017.”

Coetzee added that he would not be starting with Mbonambi or Marx this season.

“Everyone in the squad fully understands Adriaan is the captain till end of year,” he said. “Adriaan has done nothing wrong playing-wise to be dropped, and to be honest the team have responded well to him as the leader.

“Having Adriaan there is essential for the development of this squad and for the other leaders in the group, who must learn as much as they can from him until the end of the year.

“Also, our set piece has functioned really well all season. In fact, our line-out is the best of all the Rugby Championship teams. Bongi and Malcolm must battle it out to be the first choice next year, but I know we’ll have two great hookers in the squad in 2017.”

The Bok boss is yet to decide who will take over the captaincy from Strauss next year.