Dweba can add to Boks’ embarrassment of riches at hooker

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The progress of Joseph Dweba should be closely observed as the Springboks seek to reach rarefied territory of boasting three elite-level Test hookers, writes CRAIG LEWIS.

The Springboks already find themselves in a privileged position. Bongi Mbonambi – once wonderfully described as the “top dog” by teammate Trevor Nyakane – is well entrenched as the starting hooker.

Mbonambi did have some uncharacteristically shaky moments at lineout time during the Lions series, but there is no doubt the Boks will be fully aware of where that set-piece system malfunctioned.

They will also know exactly what they have in Mbonambi. He is the Boks’ sledgehammer: a physical, uncompromising warrior.

He is the designated starter for a reason, and once the opposition has been blunted up front, it opens the door for mobile Malcolm Marx to roam free in the second half. It’s like releasing a rampaging bull that has been penned up until the time is right.

When the game is a little looser, Marx hunts at the breakdown, latching on to the ball the moment tiring opposition fail to safeguard the breakdown with accuracy. You only have to ask Duhan van der Merwe to describe how destructive the Bomb Squad hooker can be on cover defence.

In summary, the Boks already boast two of the leading hookers in world rugby, and there is very little to choose between them.

Fitness and form permitting, both Mbonambi and Marx will remain firmly involved in frontline action through to the next World Cup, but the Boks have already begun to explore and expose their squad depth.

After a physically and mentally taxing Lions tour, the Springboks will head straight into Rugby Championship action against Argentina from this weekend.

READ: Dweba to start as Boks make several team changes

With player welfare coming firmly into team-selection consideration, the Boks have named a new-look side for Saturday’s opening encounter, but it also presents an opening for ‘fringe’ players to make the most of a rare start.

In this regard, I’d suggest Dweba has the most to gain.

The 25-year-old started when South Africa A claimed a morale-boosting 17-13 win over the British & Irish Lions in a midweek match, and even in that brief stint he showed just why the Bok coaches have brought the France-based forward into the mix.

With his burly frame and long dreadlocked hair, the powerful hooker looks like the sort of bloke who would be a fan favourite in WWE.

READ: Joseph Dweba to dominate on Springboks Test debut

Yet, he is a formidable rugby player who will make his first Test start this Saturday, with the opportunity to demonstrate how the Boks won’t lose all that much if he has to step in for Marx or Mbonambi when the need arises.

This is just the start for Dweba. He has youth on his side, and all the attributes of a Test-quality player who fits the mould of what the Springboks value most in their forwards.

As soon as succession planning began in the knowledge that Schalk Brits was heading into retirement after the 2019 World Cup, Dweba was firmly on the Bok radar.

With his mobility and physicality, he has plenty of X factor on his side, and will only get better and better the longer he spends with the Boks and on the international scene.

In Marx and Mbonambi, the Boks already have two hookers who would walk into any Test side in world rugby. Dweba boasts immense potential, while the Springboks have clearly earmarked young Johan Grobbelaar as a star of the future after calling him up to the squad this month.

It’s all an enticing prospect in a position where the Boks are building an embarrassment of riches.

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Craig Lewis