Springbok hooker pressures ref to watch Ireland scrum tactics
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Springbok hooker Bongi Mbonambi has once again foound himself in controversy by putting pressure on referee Karl Dickson to keep an eye on Irelands “tricks” at scrum-time when the second Test between the sides heads to Durban on Saturday.
The World Cup winner expressed his frustration with the way Luke Pearce policed the set-piece last weekend, with Ireland having the edge while Andrew Porter was on the pitch and winning the first scrum penalty after Rassie Erasmus had sent on his replacements.
However, the home side did force a key penalty and late penalty try when their ‘bomb squad’ was on and Mbonambi thinks they can have greater dominance this time.
“When it comes to scrums, we had quite a good chat yesterday with Daan [Human, scrum coach] and the whole pack.
“In the first half we got frustrated because Ireland obviously look to play lots of tricks at scrum-time, where we just want a fair competition, we want a fair contest at the scrum.
“Somewhere where we definitely have to learn, to train this week and learn our lessons from the previous game."
“The bomb squad did an amazing job, and the penalty try was very satisfying for everyone. There’s a lot of improvement to be done when it comes to scrummaging.”
South Africa are unchanged for the second Test, while Ireland will have at least one change with Rónan Kelleher coming in for the injured Dan Sheehan.
“With the injuries, it’s part of the game, it happens. The other hooker, Kelleher, he’s quite a good scrummager, he’s more physical, so it’s definitely not going to be easier,” Mbonambi said. “They do have a top-class front-row, and just one injury in the pack doesn’t really make a difference.
“We’re expecting a hard challenge, but we’ll prepare ourselves and hopefully the scrum will get more rewards,” Mbonambi said.
Mbonambi also hailed the influence of former Ireland hooker and Munster coach Jerry Flannery who has been coaching the Springboks’ breakdown and giving them the inside line on Ireland.
“With the new laws coming in, we know that the breakdown is definitely going to be a point of... there’s gonna be a lot of pressure on it. By the refs and also by the players contesting for the ball,” he added.
“But then obviously, with Jerry coming in has helped. Jerry and Duane [Vermeulen] have been trying to improve our breakdown skills. Jaco [Peyper] is also teaching us the laws.”
“Also, Jerry also is doing an awesome, fantastic job, teaching us exactly how the Irish players attack our rucks.”
SOUTH AFRICA (v Ireland): W le Roux; C Kolbe, J Kriel, D de Allende, KL Arendse; H Pollard, F de Klerk; O Nche, B Mbonambi, F Malherbe; E Etzebeth, F Mostert; S Kolisi (capt), PS du Toit, K Smith. Reps: M Marx, G Steenekamp, V Koch, S Moerat, RG Snyman, M van Staden, G Williams, S Feinberg-Mngomezulu.
