Springboks hooker Malcolm Marx stated that the team is preparing for a tough battle in scrums and cannot rely on past successes against the All Blacks.
The greatest rugby rivalry
The Springboks team is preparing for the All Blacks' onslaught in the scrums at Ellis Park stadium on Saturday, but they do not plan to rely on the results of previous encounters to defeat their opponents. According to experienced hooker Malcolm Marx, the team has prepared for the upcoming challenge in the first test match of the greatest rugby rivalry and intends to do everything possible to start the four-match series with a victory in Johannesburg.
Although Marx did not reveal many details before the match, the 32-year-old player emphasized the importance of a good start. Although the Boks dominated New Zealand in the scrums last year, Marx believes a serious battle awaits them. He noted: 'Last year is in the past, and we must focus on what lies ahead.'
Marx added that they know the All Blacks will put pressure on them during the scrum, and the team is working hard on this, but the opponents are doing the same. He stressed: 'We cannot rely on the past to win the game. We must ensure that our work over the last couple of weeks has been done to give us the best chance this weekend.'
Although team lineups have not yet been announced, Marx is likely to start the game in the world champions' squad and face All Blacks players such as Cody Taylor and Samisoni Taukeahaho. He believes they will present a serious challenge, whether in the scrums, in play after contact, or in ball possession.
He commented: 'They are all explosive, good in ball possession and defense, and obviously brilliant in set pieces. So, I think it will be a big challenge for our hookers this weekend. All three are really good. If I get a chance, I look forward to that opportunity.'
Marx also noted that preparation has not become more intensive, but the team approaches every test match the same way, regardless of the significance of the series. 'We know how important this weekend is, and we try to prepare accordingly. I don't think I will say how we will control the situation, but we are working hard on it. We conduct a lot of analysis to see where we can improve compared to previous games and study the threats they pose, for example, in play after contact, and see if we have opportunities. We have worked very hard, and we will see how this weekend goes.'