Swys made 'the right decision'
REACTION: Listen as Lions coach Swys de Bruin explains why he believes making Malcolm Marx the captain is ‘the right’ decision for the team.
It is not so much his imposing figure – all 189 centimetres and 115 kilograms of him – but his leadership skills that swayed the coach.
De Bruin said it was an “easy” decision to give the captain’s armband to hooker Malcolm Marx for Saturdays Super Rugby Round Three clash against the Bulls in Johannesburg.
Marx takes over the captaincy from No.8 Warren Whiteley, who has been ruled out for six to eight weeks – after tearing a pectoral muscle during the Lions 17-19 loss to the Stormers in Cape Town last Saturday.
De Bruin told a media scrum at the team’s training base in Johannesburg that Marx is a leader in the team and he has earned the respect of the entire squad, making it a simple decision to appoint Marx as captain.
“He has all the accolades,” the coach said about the Lions’ new leader.
“He is a wonderful team man.
“He is from us [the Lions], he is from this area, like Elton [Jantjies, the vice-captain],” he said of the Germiston-born and King Edward VII schooled Springbok.
The 24-times capped Springbok made his debut for the Lions in 2014 and has 56 Super Rugby caps.
The coach said the decision carries the “unanimous” support of the team.
“Malcolm and [vice-captain] Elton [Jantjies] are very popular within the team.
“[However,] it is not just a popular decision, it’s the right decision.
“He knows the game. He has the right aura to speak to referees.”
De Bruin described Marx as a “quiet guy”, but respected by his peers.
“I don’t always go for popular decisions. It is the right decision,” the coach added.
De Bruin said Marx will have plenty of assistance from the other leaders in the team.
“He [Marx] will talk to the referee and [flyhalf] Elton [Jantjies] will be the general that will make the on-field calls.
“The two of them will take on the leadership in the absence of Warren [Whiteley].
“We also have Kwagga [Albertus Smith]. We’ve got other leaders as well within the group – like [wing] Courtnall [Skosan], Lionel Mapoe and Dylan Smith.”
Marx displayed his unassuming nature when he fronted up to the media.
“I don’t really know what to say, to be honest,” the 24-year-old hooker said.
“I don’t really talk much, if I don’t have anything to say.
“It is obviously tough to follow in the footsteps of Wazza [Warren Whiteley], because he is probably one of the best captains you will find.
“I’m very humbled and just thankful for the opportunity.”
Marx pointed out that he is not one to give inspirational speeches during the game or in the change room.
However, he will lead on the field, but remain cool and calm in his dealings with the referee.
“As I said earlier, I don’t like to talk much. If I’ve got nothing to say, I’m not going to say anything. I would rather just lead by actions. Actions speak louder than words.
“I talk to the refs every single game. When he has an issue with the scrum or the breakdown, I’m always pretty much talking.”
De Bruin has made three changes to his starting team for the clash against the Bulls and one positional change.
Lock Rhyno Herbst comes in for Marvin Orie, who has a slight groin niggle.
Wing Aphiwe Dyantyi replaces Courtnall Skosan. who earns a place on the bench.
Hacjivah Dayimani replaces the injured Whiteley at No.8.
By Josh Isaacson
@isaacson_j
@rugby365com
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