Marx is making a HUGE impression
ON HIS way out of yesterday’s press conference, Malcolm Marx was asked to clarify reports about how much he weighs. ‘What are the options?’ asked the Springbok hooker. 114kg (17st 13lb) or 119kg (18st 10lb)? ‘Call it 115kg,’ he answered. ‘Jeez, if I was 119kg I wouldn’t be able to run!’ England would prefer it that way because the 24-year-old will be at the heart of South Africa’s physical charge at Twickenham on Saturday. Sir Clive Woodward has branded him the best hooker in the world — so how does he feel about that? ‘It’s very humbling but all credit has to go to the team,’ he said, diplomatically. Fellow hooker and Saracens hero Schalk Brits offered a more elaborative answer. ‘He’s phenomenal,’ said Brits. ‘He’s a special player. I don’t like to put a pecking order on anything but what I can say is that his mentality is right and he has a great work ethic. ‘Physically he’s gifted. He’s a big, strong, quick bloke — but his strongest attribute is his mindset. ‘If he keeps it up, there’s no reason why he can’t get better than he is already. He’s vital to how our team functions. He’s a great team guy who adds value on and off the pitch.’ Small hookers who hang off the props’ shoulders are an endangered species in modern Test rugby and Marx brings a particularly imposing presence. In February, he was named South African player of the year, South African young player of the year and Super Rugby player of the year. Combined with powerful scrummaging, his pace and skills have seen him overtake All Black Dane Coles as the world’s No 1. ‘I like looking at his stats,’ said Brits, who, after coming out of retirement, has been mentoring Marx. ‘He makes one of the highest number of turnovers in our team. With the rules going the way they are, that says something about his capability around the ruck. ‘He’s given all teams from Super Rugby level to international level a headache. ‘He’s like an extra loose forward. The territorial battle is a big part of the game so winning penalties is important. If you’ve got a hooker on the blindside who can slow down the game and steal ball, that’s tough to play against. That’s why I think the role has changed in the last 15 years.’ Marx missed the summer series through injury but he is expected to be named in the Springboks XV for the opening Test of the autumn series. He will line up against either Dylan Hartley or Jamie George in his first match in or against England. And, with Eddie Jones missing key personnel in the front row, George is not underestimating the task at hand. ‘He’s a brilliant player and a talisman for them,’ admitted George. ‘He’s a very physical player who offers a lot in the loose but his set-piece is very good as well. ‘I want to be the best hooker in the world and you want to challenge yourself against the best players. It was disappointing he wasn’t available during the summer, but hopefully I’ll get a shot this time round and it’ll be a good one. At the minute, I think he’s the best hooker in the world.’ It seems that everyone is on the same page. England have been warned.