Springboks must be on their Marx in defence in Mbombela decider
The mighty Malcolm Marx says the Springboks are determined to deliver a Rugby Championship-winning performance in Mbombela tomorrow (5pm kick-off) where they host Argentina in what is an effective final.
Los Pumas last week shocked the error-strewn Boks to win 29-28 in Santiago del Estero, and that means they are in a position to win the title if they can go back-to-back against the South Africans.
Marx said that the Boks learnt plenty from the fixture – about the Argentinians and their unpolished performance.
“They had a great game last week, and this is the first time that they have beaten the Springboks, New Zealand and Australia in one season,” he said.
“This is also the first time they are in the running for the title, so it’s going to be an epic challenge, but we are looking forward to it.”
Marx has scored more tries than any other Bok forward – he is on 20 after overtaking Schalk Burger (17) last year.
His defence is usually equally good, but he admits that he was surprised last week by the hot-stepping Pumas backs.
“They are difficult to contain,” the 30-year-old said. “They stepped me a couple of times, so they have good players who really bring the game to you. We must be very sharp on defence because they can cut you open.”
Coach Rassie Erasmus no doubt had some choice words for the team in Monday’s match review. The players will be in no doubt about the areas where they lacked, including the line-outs, where Marx overthrew a few times on attack.
“We had a good review of the game and identified where we can improve this week,” Marx confirmed.
“We started off well, but could not maintain that intensity until the end, so it’s vital that we play for the full 80 minutes.
“That said, we know how tough it’s going to be to come away with a win this week. We are under no illusions about the challenge ahead.”
The Boks have brought back some serious firepower – this is arguably the best side they can put on the field after resting eight first-choice players for the trip to Argentina – and the suspicion is that they will overpower the Pumas up front.
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But Marx warns that the South Americans are tough customers.
“The Pumas are always physical. All the Championship teams are, in their own way, but the Pumas play a different type of rugby and always present a tough challenge.”
Tomorrow, Marx will earn his 73rd cap as a replacement, with Bongi Mbonambi regaining the No 2 jersey after resting last week.
Many pundits regard Marx as the best hooker in the world, yet most of his caps for South Africa have been off the bench.
The 30-year-old from Johannesburg explained that in the Bok camp, it makes no difference if you start or finish.
“Everybody has a role and knows their role, whether you start or come off the bench,” he said.
“When I play off the bench, I just try and make an impact positively. And you try to do the same when you start.
“Each player tries to do his best, whether you start or are in the Bomb Squad. There is a broader picture.
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“You give everything for every minute you are on the field, because you know guys are coming off the bench who are fresh and will take over.
“If you play off the bench, you try and lift the intensity, and try and add different dynamics to the game.
“I don’t think there is a way that I approach the game differently if I start or not.”
Springbok Team
15 Aphelele Fassi 14 Cheslin Kolbe 13 Jesse Kriel 12 Damian de Allende 11 Kurt-Lee Arendse 10 Manie Libbok 9 Jaden Hendrikse 8 Jasper Wiese 7 Pieter-Steph du Toit 6 Siya Kolisi (captain) 5 Ruan Nortjé 4 Eben Etzebeth 3 Frans Malherbe 2 Bongi Mbonambi 1 Ox Nche.
Bench: 16 Malcolm Marx 17 Gerhard Steenekamp 18 Vincent Koch 19 Elrigh Louw 20 Kwagga Smith 21 Cobus Reinach 22 Handré Pollard 23 Lukhanyo Am.