RWC XV: Forwards of the tournament
DYLAN JACK picks a pack of the best-performing forwards throughout the 2019 World Cup.
‘We’re all wearing the same jersey’
Bongi Mbonambi on why colour is irrelevant in the Springbok team, while Cheslin Kolbe opens up about his return from injury to feature in the World Cup final.
Bongi: Rassie broke mental shackles
Bongi Mbonambi believes that the Springboks’ transformation over the past two seasons is down to Rassie Erasmus’ honest and open player management approach. JON CARDINELLI in Tokyo reports.
Proudfoot: Opposition determines our bench
Matt Proudfoot says the Boks’ opponents determine the makeup of the replacements bench, while Bongi Mbonambi confirms he’s fit to face Wales.
Bongi better suited to start quarter-final
Coach Rassie Erasmus says he selected Bongi Mbonambi in the Boks’ starting lineup because the hooker is better suited to the game they want to employ in the quarter-final against Japan.
‘We’ve got our own Ferraris’
Duane Vermeulen on the loose-forward battle and Japan’s goal to play a high-tempo game, while Willie le Roux says the Boks have their own ‘Ferraris’.
‘Italy loss wasn’t a nice feeling’
Damian de Allende says the Boks won’t repeat the mistakes they made in the defeat by Italy in 2016, while Faf de Klerk talks about the pressure on the team.
Mbonambi: We know how important this game is
Springboks hooker Bongi Mbonambi opens up about the challenges posed by the Italian pack, while prop Frans Malherbe offers insight into the communication between front rankers and referees.
Bongi busts down A-side door
Bongi Mbonambi has earned the right to wear the No 2 jersey in the must-win clash with Italy, writes JON CARDINELLI in Omaezaki.
Proudfoot: Players are hurting
Matt Proudfoot talks about the mood in the Bok camp after the defeat by the All Blacks, while Bongi Mbonambi says that Trevor Nyakane will be missed.
