Malcolm Marx is leader of the pack
Marx to lead Lions against Bulls as regular vice-captain Jantjies agrees ‘it is right decision’
Malcolm Marx‚ and not Elton Jantjies‚ will lead the Lions in Saturday’s Super Rugby derby against the Bulls at Ellis Park. Springbok hooker Marx was favoured over regular vicecaptain Jantjies in the absence of Warren Whiteley.
Malcolm Marx‚ and not Elton Jantjies‚ will lead the Lions in Saturday’s Super Rugby derby against the Bulls at Ellis Park. Springbok hooker Marx was favoured over regular vice-captain Jantjies in the absence of Warren Whiteley, who has been ruled out with a pectoral muscle injury for at least six weeks.
Marx‚ a taciturn man of action‚ perhaps predictably said he preferred to lead by example.
“I don’t like to talk much. If I have nothing to say I won’t say anything. Rather lead by actions because actions speak louder than words.
“It is tough to follow in Wazza’s [Whiteley’s] footsteps because he is one of the best captains you’ll find. I’m very humbled‚” Marx said.
Jantjies didn’t seem too fussed about being overlooked.
“I don’t think a lot about those type of things‚” he said as he and Marx traded smiles. “It is definitely the right decision.”
The men flanked coach Swys de Bruin on Thursday in vests that helped showcase the body art on their generously proportioned physiques.
“If I look at these muscles I had no choice‚” De Bruin joked while looking at Marx.
“He’s got all the accolades. He is from this area. It was a unanimous decision with Elton‚ who will still be the general and making the major calls. The two of them will take the leadership.
“Malcolm was the guy who cleaned the shed [changeroom] on Saturday. He is a team man and a leader. He is a top player. It isn’t just the popular decision. It is the right one‚” De Bruin said.
The Lions were forced into changes because of injury to Whiteley and lock Marvin Orie.
“It is a chance for Herbsie [Rhyno Herbst] to put his hand up as well as for Robert Kruger off the bench.”
Hacjivah Dayimani returns to the starting line-up in place of Whiteley‚ while Ruan Combrinck shifts wings to make place for Aphiwe Dyantyi, who comes in for Courtnall Skosan.
“Hacjivah is a good ball carrier and he’ll go with the two fox terriers in Kwagga [Smith] and Marnus [Schoeman] in the backrow.
The Lions‚ will be desperate not to suffer another derby defeat after last week’s loss to the Stormers. They host a Bulls side licking their wounds following their defeat in Buenos Aires against the Jaguares.
De Bruin is trying to keep them guessing about the tactics the Lions might employ.
“I heard Pote [Human] and Polly [Handre Pollard] say that they know exactly what we are going to do. They are 100% right that is what we are going to do.”