Bongi Mbonambi has dismissed England’s talk of revenge in Saturday’s World Cup clash, with Bok teammate Pieter-Steph du Toit drawing motivation from his compatriots.
In a rematch of the 2019 World Cup final, the Springboks and England contest the second semi-final at the Stade de France, and the winner will face the All Blacks in what is shaping up to be a blockbuster final next week.
This will be the first time that the English face South Africa at a World Cup since the 32-12 defeat in Japan.
Unlike four years ago, England have come into this weekend’s Test as firm underdogs, despite being the only unbeaten team at the tournament after a stuttering start to life under Steve Borthwick.
England lock Maro Itoje said the Roses have yet to play to their full potential and know that the defending champion Boks aren’t invulnerable, but speaking in a Bok conference on Friday, Mbonambi wasn’t in the mood to get caught up in any pre-game hype talk.
LISTEN: Boks earn the world’s respect
WATCH: World Champion Boks make a point
“We’ve heard a lot, and obviously people are talking about they are looking for revenge,” the hooker told reporters. “However they see the game is up to them.
“For us, we don’t play a lot on emotions, because I believe emotions will last you 20 minutes and you burn yourself out.”
Meanwhile, Du Toit is ready for a physical challenge against England, and has not found it difficult to get up for the game after a tough quarter-final win over France last week.
“Playing for your country, especially South Africa, all the support and videos we get on social media and the coaches actually showed us this morning, was actually quite wonderful. So, take a lot of inspiration from that,” the flanker said.
“And you never know when it might be your last match for the Springboks as well, especially in a World Cup. I don’t think a lot of us will experience it again, so to get up for this match is something that happens by itself.”
Photo: EPA-EFE/Franck Robichon/BackpagePix