Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus is set to bring a highly-rated Junior Bok into the squad ahead of Saturday’s Test against Ireland in Dublin.
Erasmus hinted on Friday that he may need to summon a hooker and tighthead prop to reinforce the touring group, and while Bongi Mbonambi was initially understood to be on standby, Rapport‘s new information suggests the Bok boss has now instructed hooker Siphosethu Mnebelele to fly out.
Whether Mbonambi remains in contention to play against Ireland is unclear.
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Mnebelele, the dynamic Bulls No 2, was one of the standout performers for the Junior Boks at this year’s World Rugby U20 Championship in Italy.
The former KES pupil captained SA Schools in 2024 and has become one of the most talked-about young forwards in the country.
Erasmus has shown a clear willingness to back youth on this tour, having already included tighthead prodigy Zachary Porthen in his November squad.
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