Strongman Marx tames Jaguares
Player of the Year delivers another masterclass in hooker play
When he left the field he looked spent.
Malcolm Marx had left it all on the Ellis Park turf on Saturday‚ having delivered another masterclass in contemporary hooker play.
The crowd gave him rapturous applause for his efforts in helping the Lions subdue the dangerous Jaguares 40-23 in their Super Rugby quarterfinal.
Marx‚ South Africa’s current Player of the Year‚ truly lived up to that billing. He proved a constant menace with the forceful ball carries‚ timely interventions in exacting steals at the ruck‚ even contributing a long-range intercept try.
“Collectively it was a massive effort‚” Lions’ captain Warren Whiteley, however, said.
“You also have to look at the guy who makes the tackle.
“That’s the guy who allows Malcolm to make the steal. Often that is the guy that doesn’t get any credit. We made some good leg tackles and that allows the next guy to steal. A guy like Malcolm‚ jeepers.
“You don’t move him from there [when he’s busy exacting a steal]. I think Kwagga [Smith] got one or two.
“I thought Marnus [Schoeman] was excellent when he came on.”
Marx’s movement was slow and required effort by the time he left the field.
In the first half, flank Cyle Brink also produced a barn storming performance.
A thunderous collision in the tackle in the 20th minute‚ however‚ took its toll and he played no part in the second half. “Cyle has a shoulder stinger‚” De Bruin said‚ suggesting Brink will be ready to take his place against the Waratahs in the semifinal on Saturday.
There were a number of Lions who stood tall against the Jaguares.
Elton Jantjies‚ often maligned for his performances at test level‚ hardly put a foot wrong.
He delivered an unblemished kicking performance.
“I’m so pleased for Elton‚” De Bruin said.
“He doesn’t lie down. He keeps on going. He’s a fighter for the team. He had another good game. These guys who criticise him must relax now.”
The Lions’ defence stood firm in the second half as the Jaguares attempted a spirited rear guard action.
“I thought our defence was great‚ at times‚” De Bruin said.