Steven Kitshoff says it’s concerning that the Springboks don’t have specialist hooker cover for Saturday’s second Test against the All Blacks in Cape Town.
Deon Fourie, who turns 40 in September, is set to provide cover for Malcolm Marx from the replacements bench, reprising the role he filled during the 2023 World Cup final against New Zealand in Paris.
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Fourie was sent on early in that match after Bongi Mbonambi’s injury, but Kitshoff believes the lack of a specialist hooker on the bench could leave the Boks vulnerable at scrum time and in the lineout.
“We all know that Malcolm is physical and can play for 80 minutes. It does concern me that there isn’t a specialist covering the position,” Kitshoff said at a breakfast event on Thursday as quoted by Netwerk24.
“Deon Fourie played excellently for the Stormers in the opening match of the All Blacks’ tour, but there isn’t a replacement hooker who will be as much of a factor in the scrums and lineouts.”
Fourie has largely been used as a loose forward by the Stormers, although he played hooker earlier in his career.
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Kitshoff also stressed the importance of Marx, beyond just his core duties.
“With Malcolm you know what you’re getting – a guy who is physical at the breakdowns and backs down from nothing. He’s a tough boy from Johannesburg with tattoos who doesn’t take any nonsense. He’ll be very important for the Boks,” he said.
“Malcolm’s skills as a leader and the support he gives Siya and the others in that regard will also be important. He needs to realise the role he plays because sometimes he comes across in conversations as very soft and shy. In the Bok setup, however, he has a strong voice. His game does the talking.”
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Photo: Cole Cruickshank/Gallo Images
The post Kitshoff raises red flag over Brannas gamble appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Steven Kitshoff says it’s concerning that the Springboks don’t have specialist hooker cover for Saturday’s second Test against the All Blacks in Cape Town.
The post Kitshoff raises red flag over Brannas gamble appeared first on SA Rugby magazine. Read More
