Former Springbok prop Lawrence Sephaka believes Bongi Mbonambi’s omission from the Springbok squad for the upcoming end-of-year tour is no cause for alarm.

In fact, the former Lions hardman is calling it a calculated move by coach Rassie Erasmus to give one of his most trusted lieutenants a much-needed break.

Mbonambi, who played a key role in South Africa’s back-to-back Rugby World Cup triumphs, was named among the standby players for the Boks’ five-Test tour to the northern hemisphere, prompting questions about his long-term role.

RASSIE: France, Ireland like RWC playoffs

But Sephaka has told Sport24 that Erasmus has always shown faith in his senior players – even when they’re temporarily rested.

“From the way I’ve seen Rassie operate, he does give off-form players some time to cook again,” Sephaka said.

“He’s done so with several players where he’s put them on ice, so it can be a case of reconditioning or sharpening up before the big games next year.”

The 34-year-old hooker has been a cornerstone of the Bok pack for nearly a decade, but Sephaka believes his workload – compounded by injuries – has caught up with him, making this enforced rest both necessary and strategic.

“Bongi hasn’t had a proper break outside of his injuries and the older you get, the tougher it gets,” Sephaka explained.

“Bongi has earned his stripes and deserves a breather, while letting the other guys come in and stamp their authority.”

Erasmus’ touring squad features several returning players and a handful of new faces, with hookers Malcolm Marx and Johan Grobbelaar preferred to Mbonambi and Marnus van der Merwe.

“Most times, the end-of-year-tour is to reward the guys who excelled at the back-end of the URC, because in the past, it was for standout Currie Cup players,” Sephaka added.

Mbonambi remains on standby and could yet feature if injury strikes.

FULL STORY

Springbok squad:
Forwards – Lood de Jager, Ben-Jason Dixon, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Thomas du Toit, Eben Etzebeth, Johan Grobbelaar, Jean Kleyn, Siya Kolisi, Wilco Louw, Malcolm Marx, Franco Mostert, Ox Nche, Ruan Nortje, Zachary Porthen, Kwagga Smith, RG Snyman, Gerhard Steenekamp, Marco van Staden, Boan Venter, Jan-Hendrik Wessels, Jasper Wiese.
Backs – Kurt-Lee Arendse, Damian de Allende, Andre Esterhuizen, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Ethan Hooker, Cheslin Kolbe, Jesse Kriel, Manie Libbok, Canan Moodie, Handré Pollard, Cobus Reinach, Morne van den Berg, Edwill van der Merwe, Damian Willemse, Grant Williams.

POLL: Should rampant Roos be in Bok squad?

Standby:
Forwards – Juarno Augustus, Neethling Fouché, Bongi Mbonambi, Salmaan Moerat, Asenathi Ntlabakanye, Evan Roos, Vincent Tshituka.
Backs – Lukhanyo Am, Sebastian de Klerk, Makazole Mapimpi.

Photo by Lefty Shivambu/Gallo Images