Boks do the 'Mbombela Jive'

accreditation
"Mbombela Jive" (AFP Photo)
"Mbombela Jive" (AFP Photo)

Auckland - The celebratory dance Springboks Gio Aplon and Juan de Jongh performed against Namibia on Thursday has its origins in Nelspruit, the lightning-fast duo confirmed after the match.

"I think it was against the Pumas in Nelspruit that we did it the first time, so we simply had to try it on the international stage tonight," said Aplon.

Aplon scored a try with his first touch in the Rugby World Cup in South Africa's 87-0 victory over their Southern African neighbours.

Despite having a dream debut at rugby's global showpiece, Aplon remained adamant that his best was yet to come.

"I think it has been about four or five weeks since I last played, so I feel a bit rusted, but those two tries helped a bit," said the speedy winger.

"Scoring tries makes you hungrier to get out there and play but, in the end, it is important to stay humble, keep your feet on the ground and to keep working hard."

De Jongh's smile was even bigger than that of his Western Province teammate.

His first try of the evening prompted the "Mbombela Jive" they had admittedly planned on doing should one of them score while they were both on the field.

"It is one of those things you talk about and it was fantastic for me and Gio, the WP men, to get in a few tries," said De Jongh.

"A second instinct kicked in and we just did it. It's just something we do, that's all."

The post try routine is not the only thing the proud Province boys share as they are both slippery customers on attack who are not afraid to take on men three times their size in defence.

As for pure pace, they are arguably the fastest men in the Springbok World Cup squad.

De Jongh said he understood his role and that every minute he played in New Zealand was a blessing.

He also admitted he would like to get more time on the pitch while describing his tries as a matter of being in the right place at the right time.

"That is the way it goes in professional rugby," De Jongh said.

"There are only 22 jerseys and there are a lot of players out there fighting for a place in the 22, so I'm just glad to be here and to make the best of the chances I do get."

Aplon, the older of the two, said there were some valuable lessons they would take from the match.

Even though the title holders would be taking it easier over the next few days, he said the mood in the camp was far from relaxed.

"I won't say the guys are more at ease. We learnt that we have to stick to what we do best, and that is to be direct," he said.

"The result showed in how we played in the latter stages of the match."

After the punishment Heinrich Brussow received for kicking the ball in their previous game against Fiji, the Stormers' speedsters knew they would not go through the post match fines session without explaining their actions to the rest of the team.

Not that they were scared of what could happen.

"If we get fined, we will simply have to take it on the chin."

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
In times of uncertainty you need journalism you can trust. For 14 free days, you can have access to a world of in-depth analyses, investigative journalism, top opinions and a range of features. Journalism strengthens democracy. Invest in the future today. Thereafter you will be billed R75 per month. You can cancel anytime and if you cancel within 14 days you won't be billed. 
Subscribe to News24
loading... Live
Moroka Swallows 0
Richards Bay FC 0
loading... Live
Durban Super Giants 0
Sunrisers Eastern Cape 30/2
Voting Booth
Should Dewald Brevis have been included in the Proteas squad for the upcoming England ODI series?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Definitely! He is clearly a superstar, so what are we waiting for?
15% - 2797 votes
Not yet! Brevis needs to spend some time playing domestic cricket first.
4% - 838 votes
Who is Dewald Brevis?
81% - 15525 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE