The change that gave us Bismarck 2.0
However, the uncompromising style of the 22-year-old Marx may not have reached the international stage had it not been for the wisdom of a school coach at King Edward.
Marx, now tagged with the moniker 'Bismarck 2.0', was a loose forward till his Grade 12 year – 2012.
"I played a very tight game as a loose forward," Marx told a media briefing at the Springbok team's base in Durban – where they are preparing for the second Test against France, at Kings Pak on Saturday.
"They [the KES coaches] thought I would be a better No.2 than a loose forward," he added.
Having showed promise since a young age – he players for the Golden Lions in all their age-group teams – he started his first Test in the 37-14 win over France in Pretoria lat week, having played twice off the bench for the Boks last year.
His hulking frame – 188 centimetres and almost 120 kilogrammes – helped him earn the man-of-the-match award on his starting debut.
"I like that kind of [bruising] game," Marx said, when asked about the references to the similarities he has with the veteran, Du Plessis, hooker.
"When I moved to hooker he was the player I modelled my game on.
"Obviously I want to be my own person, but with aspirations to play like he did."
Marx said the Boks must put last week's win over France behind them, as this week's encounter – against a French team with a a host of their best players back, after missing last week's Loftus showdown – will be a far tougher Test.
"We have a new hurdle this week to jump over," he said, adding that the French will provide a very physical challenge.
He said there are many improvements "every single week" for the Boks.
"There is no perfect game.
"I am a student of the game and want to get better every week."
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