Bongi Mbonambi participated in training with the Springboks squad as they prepare for Saturday’s World Cup final against New Zealand.
Watch: Bongi Mbonambi trains with Springboks ahead of RWC final
PLEASE NOTE: The third-party content below is shared on our platform for journalistic purposes. Swisher Post, its parent company, partners and affiliates shall not be held liable for any consequence that arises from the journalistic duties performed in sharing this content.
The atmosphere surrounding Mbonambi remains tense due to ongoing investigations into racial slur claims. England’s flanker Tom Curry accused Mbonambi of using derogatory language during their World Cup semi-final clash.
However, no official findings have been released by either SA Rugby or global rugby authorities.
RelatedPosts
As tensions mount elsewhere, Mbonambi, seen in videos from the Springbok’s morning training session on Wednesday, appears jubilant with his squad mates and media embracing the second-choice hooker.
What’s at stake if Mbonambi is axed from squad facing All Blacks
An enhanced audio clip focusing on Mbonambi’s words provided an alternative view. South African U18s head coach, Katleho Lynch, confirmed to Planet Rugby that the terms heard, either ‘wyd kant’ or ‘wit kant’ in Afrikaans, are commonly used in defensive set calls during Springboks training sessions.
The Springboks face a significant dilemma if Mbonambi is banned or charged.
He is currently the only specialist No. 2 hooker in the squad. Malcolm Marx, who suffered a knee injury earlier in the tournament, was replaced by Handre Pollard.
The team management has been relying on makeshift hookers Deon Fourie and Marco van Staden, both of whom are specialist flankers.
The Springboks are set to announce their final squad on Thursday morning, as South Africa and the rest of the world eagerly await an update from World Rugby regarding Mbonambi’s availability for the decisive match on Saturday.
