Springbok hooker Bongi Mbonambi, who will captain South Africa in their second Rugby World Cup pool B clash against Romania on Sunday in Bordeaux this weekend, was excited to be honoured with the captain’s armband against Romania.
“It’s always an honour and privilege to captain the Springboks, and it comes with a huge responsibility,” he said. “But some of the players are participating in their third World Cup, so that will make my job easier on the day.”
Mbonambi did not view Marx’s injury as a bigger responsibility on his shoulders and said he would simply continue to give his best: “Malcom and I play different styles of rugby, so for me it’s a case of continuing to give my best and to do everything I can to ensure the team is as successful as possible.”
Mbonambi said Marx's injury is a bog blow for the Springboks on and off the field. "He always brought a lot of joy and laughter to the team, especially when him and Steven (Kitshoff) are together. So, we’ll miss him, and we wish him a speedy recovery.”
With Fourie serving as hooker cover this weekend, Mbonambi was confident that the experienced and versatile player has what it takes to step into the hooker role after playing most of his rugby in the last few years at flanker.
“We’ve been in the squad and system together for a while now, and apart from that Deon has been playing longer than I have, so while I’ll help him wherever he needs help, Malcolm and I have also learned from him. He played hooker for the DHL Stormers for a few seasons, so he is fully capable of fulfilling that role,” said the Bok skipper.
