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Bongi explains flawless Springbok lineout at RWC

Cape Town - Hooker Bongi Mbonambi has helped explain South Africa's flawless lineout record at the 2019 Rugby World Cup.

The Springboks are the only side at the tournament to boast a 100% record at lineout time, claiming all 57 of their 57 throws off their own ball. 

A 47/47 record during the pool stages was followed by 10/10 against hosts Japan in this past weekend's 26-3 quarter-final win, and Mbonambi offered some insight into those staggering numbers at a press conference in Yokohama on Tuesday ahead of Sunday's semi-final against Wales. 

"It comes down to us being all aligned and all know what the plan is," the 28-year-old said.

"You have guys like Lood (De Jager), Eben (Etzebeth), RG (Snyman) and Franco Mostert taking ownership of the lineout.

"Our job as hookers is just to get a good relationship with the jumpers, and know that you are an international hooker in the Springbok jersey. You have to lift your standards, and keep them up there.

"We have to work together as a forward pack and we always push each other at every training session.

"When it comes to the game, it just comes down to execution."

Mbonambi also extinguished concerns over his fitness after he left the field shortly after half-time against Japan. 

"It was just my hamstring that was feeling a bit tight, from the cramps obviously," he said.

"They made a medical call not to risk it and carry on. But at the moment, I am feeling 100 percent."

Sunday's kick-off is at 11:00 (SA time). 

- Compiled by Lloyd Burnard

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