Springbok Captaincy Up For Grabs: Marx Eyes Return Against Wales

Rumors swirl that Springbok hooker Malcolm Marx might captain the team against Wales at Twickenham Stadium on 22 June.
Marx hasn’t played in nine months due to a knee injury sustained during the victorious 2023 Rugby World Cup campaign.
Coach Rassie Erasmus might use the Wales test to ease Marx back into match fitness, with the powerful hooker likely to start. The 29-year-old last played on 10 September against Scotland in the World Cup group stage.
Springbok captain Siya Kolisi’s absence due to the game falling outside the international window opens the captaincy role. In Kolisi’s absence, Bongi Mbonambi, Pieter-Steph du Toit, and Eben Etzebeth emerge as frontrunners to lead the team.
Marx, during a recent appearance at the SA Sports Awards, hinted at his potential return for the Wales game. “I’m hoping not too long left,” Marx told Sportswire. “I’ll follow the Springboks medical team’s guidance, and obviously their clearance is crucial. I’ll give it my best shot to be back.”
After the Wales test, the Springboks face Ireland in a two-match South African series, starting at Loftus Stadium on 6 July, followed by a clash at Durban’s Hollywoodbets Kings Park Stadium on 13 July. Their season opener concludes with a match against Portugal at Toyota Stadium in Bloemfontein on 20 July.
This is followed by the grueling six-match Rugby Championship against New Zealand, Australia, and Argentina.