“Take It Game By Game”: World Player Of The Year Warns
Springbok hooker Malcolm Marx remains firmly focused on the immediate task at hand as South Africa prepares to face Wales, insisting that taking each match one step at a time is the best approach to achieving the team’s long-term ambitions.
While the Rugby World Cup remains a major target, Marx believes success starts with thorough preparation for every fixture.
“Reaching the World Cup is a long-term goal. Right now I’m just focusing on the preparation and making sure I’m well prepared for Wales, which is the first task. I’m trying not to look too far ahead and making sure that I’m taking it game by game to give myself the best shot,” said the reigning World Rugby Player of the Year.
With the Springboks concluding the home leg of the Nations Championship after victories over England and Scotland, Marx said continuous improvement remains a key objective, regardless of previous results.
“There’s always room for improvement regardless of how the game goes. There will be errors, but we’ll be working on the small things we felt we didn’t get right over the previous two weeks.
“We’re preparing ourselves as best we can and working on those one- or two-percent improvements to be better this weekend,” he explained.
Looking ahead to Wales in the third match of the Nations Championship at Kings Park Stadium on Saturday, Marx expects another physically demanding contest against a side renowned for its resilience and powerful forward pack.
“They’re a very physical side. They have a very confrontational forward pack as well. Over the past couple of years I’ve played against them, it’s always been a tough battle. They never go away, so I think it’s going to take a full 80-minute performance this weekend. We’ve got to make sure we are well prepared and physically front up for this game,” Marx said.
Reflecting on his recent club season in Japan, Marx revealed that although he suffered a minor bicep injury, early intervention prevented it from becoming a more serious setback.
“It was a decent season. We got through to the final but unfortunately lost. I had a small injury to my bicep, but thankfully I got the right advice from the medical staff there and back home. It could have been worse, but fortunately I caught it early enough to make sure it was manageable, and thankfully I’m past that now.”
Marx also welcomed the inclusion of tighthead prop Carlu Sadie, who has earned his opportunity after an impressive season with Bordeaux.
Having previously played alongside Sadie during their time at the Lions, Marx believes the prop will add valuable strength to the Springbok front row.
“Carlu had a great season at Bordeaux, and he’s getting his opportunity. Fortunately, I scrummed with him when I was back at the Lions in 2018 and 2019. I’ve played rugby with him before and packed down alongside him, so I know what he can do. We haven’t played together for a little while, so we’re testing combinations and seeing what works best. But I’m looking forward to the challenge this weekend, and so is he,” he said.
