Boks' nuclear bomb happy to be launched from the bench
SPOTLIGHT: Malcolm Marx’s latest record shows why the hooker can be regarded as one the best in the world.
The Springbok hooker, part of Rassie Erasmus’ famous bomb squad, was again instrumental in his team’s 18-12 win over the All Blacks at the Cape Town Stadium.
From the moment he entered the field in the 45th minute, Marx battered the All Blacks into submission – making strong carries and big hits.
And in pure Bok fashion, the hooker also scored the match-winning try in the 74th minute, helping the World Champs reclaim the Freedom Cup for the first time since 2009.
The match-winner ensured that Marx became the leading South African try-scoring forward – with 20 five-pointers.
The former Lions hooker joined the late James Small in 10th place on the all-time Bok tryscoring list with 20 touchdowns in a Springbok jersey.m,
Marx now has 100 Test points, including 25 against the All Blacks.
With these types of stats Marx, it is easy to see why most fans are rooting for him to start, swapping the No.16 jersert for the No.2.
However, the hooker is more than content with his current role in the incredible Springbok set-up.
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“I’m speaking on behalf of myself here, but I am extremely grateful to be a part of this side,” Marx said after the Cape Town thriller.
“To represent your country is amazing.
“I wouldn’t just say this generation – the Springboks have always been a force in the game – but I would probably just say I am extremely grateful to be here.
“I cherish every moment and enjoy every chance I get.”
He added: “I think everybody knows their roles and responsibilities, whether you are starting on the bench or not in the 23.
“You have a responsibility if you are not in the 23 to prepare the guys as best you can to play in that specific weekend, whether you are starting or playing off the bench.
“We know what we are playing for, what we want to achieve and everybody cares.
“The main thing for me is to make an impact, in a positive way, and just represent my family, and my country and give my best in what we are doing.”
#⃣WATCH as @Springboks coach @RassieRugby speaks about who had the biggest impact on his team’s back-to-back @SanzarTRC wins over the @AllBlacks 🏆#Rugby 🏉#Rugby365🌐#RugbyUnion🌍#RSAvNZL 🇿🇦V🇳🇿
🔗https://t.co/HRmFYx8ohF pic.twitter.com/JIUyKU7xUP— rugby365.com (@rugby365com) September 8, 2024
When asked about his match-winner, Marx downplayed his amazing contribution and instead praised his team for setting the perfect platform for him.
From the line-out, the Boks mauled it close, but as it looked as the maul collapsed, Marx broke blind and sent the stadium into a delirious frenzy with his try.
“It wasn’t just me, there was a whole pack of forwards involved there, and I was just the one who managed to get it over the line.
“But there were another seven guys in front of me that were trying to put me in that position so that we could get the try.
“It is not just me, there are a whole lot of other factors there that go into it and it is awesome to see.”
Given the hooker’s incredible form, it is easy to predict he will certainly keep climbing the try-scoring charts.
The Springboks have a bye this week, before travelling to Argentina to take on Los Pumas in Round Five on September 21.
