Bongi Mbonambi knows how it feels to have his Springbok name ‘dragged through the mud’

The Springboks realise the magnitude of Saturday’s Rugby Championship decider against Argentina in Mbombela, and will do everything to be on the right side of the result after the full-time whistle.

After suffering a one-point loss, something they are used to dishing out to other teams, in Santiago del Estero at the weekend, the world champions will now have the opportunity to clinch the Championship title on home soil in what will also be a record-breaking 128th Test for veteran Eben Etzebeth.

It could be the first time since 2019 – a truncated version due to it being a World Cup year – that the Boks win the southern hemisphere tournament, and the first time since 2009 that they claim a full one, although then it was the Tri Nations without Argentina.

According to veteran hooker Bongi Mbonambi, who returns to the starting line-up after a week of rest, they are gearing up for a big performance after the 29-28 defeat.

“Argentina brings that physicality that we like to bring to other teams,” the Bok No 2 said yesterday.

“We will stick to our reality because we know what it is, and we know there are Springbok standards that we want to achieve in the game.”

“They are tough and we’ve always respected them. This game is going to be vital, but we have made plans.

“We will stick to our reality because we know what it is, and we know there are Springbok standards that we want to achieve in the game. It’s definitely going to be a massive one.

“It’s about fixing our mistakes (of the past weekend) and preparing as best as we can.”

As a leader, Mbonambi also had some encouraging words for flyhalf Manie Libbok, who will start this weekend.

The Stormers No 10 came under fire from Bok supporters after missing a kickable penalty that could have clinched Saturday’s Test.

“Speaking from experience, in 2016 when we lost to Italy, I threw that final line-out ball and we lost it, and I had my name dragged through the mud and all that.”

Mbonambi knows all too well how it feels to be on the receiving end of frustrated Springbok fans.

“Speaking from experience, in 2016 when we lost to Italy, I threw that final lineout ball and we lost it, and I had my name dragged through the mud and all that. It does come with playing for the Springboks and at the highest level. You make a mistake and it costs you a Test match.

“Manie has been through a lot in his life, off the field too, so this is just another challenge to prove himself and to everyone else that he is a flyhalf of international standards, especially in the Springbok jersey.”