Marx fit and raring to go against Wales
Hooker returns from injury to help SA end year on good note
HOOKER Malcolm Marx has been restored to fitness and is likely to play a leading role in the Springboks’ ambition of finishing the year on a high against Wales on Saturday.
Marx‚ who missed last weekend’s clash against Italy due to the shoulder injury he suffered against France‚ is raring to go, according to the team’s doctor, Konrad von Hagen.
Although Bongi Mbonambi deputised with some distinction in his absence against Italy in Padua‚ coach Allister Coetzee stressed that he would assemble his best available troops for the occasion.
Although the match is outside the official test window‚ which means neither side is able to realistically push their best troops into battle‚ Coetzee is taking this seriously.
With that in mind, he will hope that loose head Tendai Mtawarira recovers from the injury he sustained in the first half against Italy.
But they have to play a waiting game‚ even with Thomas du Toit being called up as cover.
“He has a groin strain and we will give him as much time as possible to see if he’ll be available for the weekend. We will make that call as we go along‚” Von Hagen said about Mtawarira.
Coetzee will also have Elton Jantjies available after his Japanese club, the Shining Arcs, granted permission for him to stay.
“It is good to have him‚” Coetzee said. This is probably code for Jantjies being on the bench.
Coetzee’s detractors‚ and there are many‚ will argue that the game against Wales should be an opportunity to blood young players.
The coach is with his back to the wall and is likely to go with as many battle-hardened players as he can.
The same folks who are calling for him to go with the young guns are ready to pounce should they misfire.
It is for that reason when Coetzee was pressed on outside back Warrick Gelant’s prospects of earning a start‚ the coach was coy.
“He’s an exciting player‚” he said.
“Who knows, he might find himself in the mix this weekend.”
Still‚ whoever he assembles from his available resources, it will be difficult to plug the significant holes left by Duane Vermeulen and Francois Louw.
Coetzee did not want to dwell on something over which he has little control.
“Francois Louw with 56 or so caps‚ Duane Vermeulen with late 30s, that is valuable experience. And both of them play in Europe.
“That is part of the leadership. We will miss them.
“They made their mark. It was great to have them.
“I’m sure a player like Dan du Preez has learnt a lot.
“Also Uzair Cassiem and Oupa Mohoje. Hopefully, if they get an opportunity, they take it.”