Marx versus Montoya: 'It’s going to be tough'

SPOTLIGHT: As we approach the two last rounds of the Rugby Championship, the trophy is anyone’s to take.

The Rugby Championship standings have never been tighter heading into the final rounds and bonus points could decide the winner in the end.

As it stands, the All Blacks are on top with 10 points, while the Springboks, Wallabies and Pumas are all sitting with nine points.

The Boks face Los Pumas in the penultimate round of the Rugby Championship in Buenos Aires this Saturday.

Both teams have a very similar approach as both tend to rely on their big forwards to gain dominance.

Speaking to reporters, Springbok hooker Malcolm Marx admitted a challenging scrum battle awaits his team.

“Argentina have a great scrum and it will be a big challenge,” Marx said.

“But we have to focus on ourselves and see where we can improve and get better from our past few games.

“We know that it is going to be a big challenge for us and luckily, we have got the week to prepare for it.”

The Boks’ maul has been ridiculed the last few weeks, however, Marx said it remains a very effective weapon, which has been a big work-on in the last week.

“We got six penalties from our maul [against Australia in Sydney], so we are getting a reward,” Marx said.

“It is a big focus point for us, we want to get better and improve in all aspects of our game.”

Zooming in on his opposition, Los Pumas captain and hooker Julian Montoya, Marx said: “It’s going to be tough.

“I see the way he has played through the Championship and before that for his club Leicester Tigers.

“It’s going to be a great battle and we will prepare ourselves to the best of our abilities.”

Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber will name his team on Tuesday.

@rugby365com