Springbok hooker Malcolm Marx has shed light on the injury he suffered in Japan at the end of May.
The 32-year-old sustained a bicep muscle injury while playing for the Kubota Spears in their Japan Rugby League One semi-final against the Saitama Wild Knights, raising concerns that it could affect his availability for the Springboks’ Test season.
But the 2025 World Rugby Player of the Year recovered in time to start against England at Ellis Park and will again wear the No 2 jersey against Wales at Kings Park on Saturday.
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Reflecting on the injury, Marx said he was fortunate it was not more serious.
“I had a small injury in my arm, in my bicep. But thankfully I got the right advice from the medical staff, not only there but back home.
“It could have been worse, but fortunately we caught it early enough to make sure it was manageable.
“Thankfully I’m through that now.”
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Having beaten England and Scotland in their opening two Nations Championship fixtures, the Boks will be looking to make it three wins from three against a team they smashed 73-0 in Cardiff last November.
Marx, though, is not underestimating the No 12-ranked Dragons, who lost 35-21 to Argentina in San Juan last week.
“Wales are a tough side regardless of their previous results,” he said. “They’re an extremely physical side and they’re well drilled.
“So it’s going to be a great challenge for us, regardless of who we play.
“It’s the same every Test match, so we’ve got to make sure we’re well prepared and physically front up for this game.”
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Coach Rassie Erasmus has again made sweeping changes to his starting XV, handing Test debuts to prop Carlü Sadie, lock Ruben van Heerden, flyhalf Vusi Moyo and winger Jaco Williams.
Marx will scrum down alongside Sadie in the front row and believes the Bordeaux Bègles powerhouse is ready for the step up.
“Carlü obviously had a great season at Bordeaux and now he’s getting his opportunity,” he said.
“Fortunately I scrummed with him back at the Lions in 2018 and 2019. So I’ve played rugby with him before and I’ve scrummed next to him before. I know what he can do.
“Obviously we haven’t played together for a little while, so it’s about getting those combinations right again and seeing what works best.
“But I’m looking forward to the challenge this weekend. I think he is too.”
The post Marx: It could have been worse appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Springbok hooker Malcolm Marx has shed light on the injury he suffered in Japan at the end of May.
The post Marx: It could have been worse appeared first on SA Rugby magazine. Read More
