Marx Expects Fierce Front-Row Battle Against Taylor In Springboks vs All Blacks
Current World Rugby Player of the Year Malcolm Marx has developed a healthy respect for the All Blacks’ leading hookers after years of facing them at both Super Rugby and international level.
However, that friendship and mutual respect will be put aside when the two teams meet in the first Test of Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry at Ellis Park on Saturday.
Marx has gone head-to-head with Crusaders and All Blacks captain Codie Taylor for a number of years and admits he has the utmost respect for the experienced hooker.
“I’ve played against him for a good number of years now, from the Crusaders and the All Blacks. I’ve got the utmost respect for him, and he’s a great, great rugby player,” Marx said.
“I like the way that he plays the game. He’s extremely physical and good at the set piece.”
Despite their fierce competition on the field, Marx revealed that their relationship remains friendly away from the action.
“We have a bit of a laugh and a beer after the game, but we both know that on the day we have a job to do,” he said.
That competitive edge will once again come to the fore this weekend, with Marx expecting a stern challenge from the All Blacks’ hookers.
He described New Zealand’s options as explosive, highlighting their ability to contribute across all areas of the game.
“They are all explosive players, good with ball in hand, good on defence, and of course great at set piece,” Marx said.
“So I think it’s going to be a great challenge for our hookers on the weekend. If given the shot, I’m looking forward to the opportunity.”
While Marx remains focused on the immediate challenge, his performances for the Springboks have also earned him a nomination for SA Sports Star of the Year, with the awards ceremony taking place just a day after the All Blacks clash.
For the experienced hooker, the nomination is a significant personal honour, but he is determined to put it to the back of his mind until after Saturday’s Test.
“It’s a great honour for me and my family. I really do appreciate it,” Marx said.
The Springboks have spent weeks preparing for the highly anticipated clash, and Marx insists the entire squad remains focused on the task ahead.
“But I’ve got a job to do on Saturday, and it’s what the whole squad has been preparing for, so I’m not trying to think too far ahead.”
When it comes to facing the traditional All Blacks haka, Marx has a clear approach.
The Springbok hooker says respect comes first, but once the challenge has been issued, his attention quickly turns to the battle that awaits.
“To respect it firstly? To stand in front of it and respect it and, yeah, obviously look at one player,” Marx explained.
While he did not reveal exactly who he focuses on, Marx hinted that it would not be difficult to guess.
“I think you can probably guess who it is,” he said with a smirk.
Once the haka is complete, however, there is little time for reflection.
“After that I’m focusing on the next job that I’ve got,” he said.
While Marx respects the All Blacks’ tradition and is keen to embrace the occasion, ultimately, he wants to get on with the job.
With the All Blacks’ hookers bringing physicality, set-piece quality and explosiveness, another compelling battle awaits at the heart of the Test — one sure to fire up the World Rugby Player of the Year.
Meanwhile, the All Blacks have played the Springboks 16 times at 10bet Ellis Park, with South Africa winning 10 times and New Zealand six.
