Boks expecting pressure from the Lions’ line-outs

IT will be difficult for the Springboks to top the achievement of winning the 2019 Rugby World Cup.

But if there is any series that could come close, it is facing the British & Irish Lions.

While beating the All Blacks in New Zealand is arguably still the pinnacle, the fact that the Boks play the Kiwis every year in the Rugby Championship doesn’t make the occasion quite as special any more.

The Lions, though, only arrive in South Africa once every 12 years. Most players only get one chance to feature in such a series – unless you’re Frans and Morné Steyn, who are in line to do just that in the next few months.

The current Bok squad have been waiting since beating England in the 2019 World Cup final on November 2 to play with the title of world champions.

They would’ve liked to have had a full Test season last year, but it was not to be due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

So, the significance of a Lions series is not lost on hooker Bongi Mbonambi, who had to fight hard to make the grade at Super Rugby level for the Stormers – after a difficult time at the Bulls – and then at the Boks, where he only become the first-choice No 2 during the World Cup.

“For myself, it’s been an amazing run – I’ve been truly blessed from the beginning. In 2016, I made my debut for the Springboks against Ireland in PE (Gqeberha), and that will always be a memory in my mind, having come through all the years and putting in the hard work,” the 30-year-old said from the Bok training camp in Bloemfontein.

“I’m grateful to see that paying off. Everybody in the Springbok squad has their own story, their own journey.

“But once you come together here, it’s not about the individual anymore – it’s about the whole squad – and making sure we put the jersey in a better place than we found it. Being part of the British & Irish Lions is truly amazing. It’s a massive milestone in my career, as it only comes around once every 12 years and there are only a fortunate few that make it. It’s a massive honour for us.”

South Africa’s immediate focus is on Friday’s Test against Georgia at Loftus Versfeld, and the importance of the two matches cannot be underestimated, considering it’s the only chance for the Boks to find their rhythm before taking on the Lions on July 24 at Cape Town Stadium.

But Mbonambi will have one eye on how the Lions perform in tomorrow’s encounter against Japan in Edinburgh, as well as their tour matches in South Africa before the first Test.

There are still injury concerns around the fitness of locks Lood de Jager and RG Snyman, but Eben Etzebeth and Franco Mostert have the necessary experience to front up in the second row.

The Lions, though, are packed with quality locks who will look to disrupt the Bok line-outs.

“At the moment, we are just sort of focusing on our system, making sure our stuff and detail, everyone has that understanding. A hooker has a feel for the jumper, to have that confidence and connection between the hooker and the jumper …” Mbonambi said.

“Everyone has to know their detail when it comes to line-outtime, and we always have high standards. As locks, they take massive pride in taking 100% every game, and also us as hookers also pride ourselves on aiming for that perfect line-out.

“Coming up against locks like Maro Itoje, Courtney Lawes and Alun Wyn Jones, they are top-class, quality players, and we know there is going to be massive pressure when it comes to line-outs.”