FILE - Springbok hooker Malcolm Marx pictured here scoring a try against the All Blacks in Cape Town. Marx spoke openly about their innovation and the 'bomb squad'.
Image: Leon Lestrade / Independent Newspapers
Star hooker Malcolm Marx has given insight into the decision-making process when it comes to some of the Springboks’ more outrageous moves and plays on a rugby field.
During an interview with Sky New Zealand, Marx was asked about the lineout move the Springboks executed during a Rugby Championship Test against Australia last year.
In the first half against the Wallabies, the Springboks had a lineout about five metres out from the Wallabies’ line. Hooker Bongi Mbonambi threw the ball to flank Ben-Jason Dixon at the back, who, while in the air, threw the ball back to lock Eben Etzebeth who was lifted up at the front before they started mauling.
The move resulted in captain Siya Kolisi going over for the try, with the Wallabies all at sea, not knowing what hit them.
Marx revealed that coming up with these sorts of plays is not only the responsibility of head coach Rassie Erasmus, but the collective. For such moves to be executed also needs buy-in from everyone in the squad.
“It’s more a group thing. Obviously Rassie has his plans and stuff, but if a player or a coach comes with an idea … it’s not just a decision done by one person, it’s a collective decision,” said Marx, who is sporting a broken nose after a head clash during a club match in Japan.
“A move like that isn’t generated by one person, everybody needs to buy into it and hopefully it works.
“At times you want to laugh, but there is always a method behind the madness. When you see it come off, then you say ‘okay, I see why this worked’.
“Thinking outside of the box, it’s not something many international teams will do. We go along with it and we try to execute to the best of our ability.”
The New Zealanders were also quite curious about the Springboks famed “bomb squad” and asked Marx if he didn’t want to start more games for the Springboks instead of coming off the bench.
However, Marx said the Springboks’ jersey is bigger than any individual and that they are playing for more than just themselves.
“Every player wants to start, as a rugby player you want to give your best and be the best to get yourself in that No 2 jersey,” Marx said.
“Obviously playing for South Africa it’s a different scenario. You are still representing your country whether you are in the No 2 or No 16 jersey.
“It’s a lot bigger than us and we know that. We know what rugby does for our country. So doing it to the best of our ability and bringing joy to the people back home, is a big thing for us.”
While the Boks do come with tricks, such as playing flanks at hooker and picking four scrumhalves in a matchday squad, Marx said he has never been asked to fulfil any other roles than hooker.
It is something he is really grateful for …
“The Bomb squad is quite exciting, I mean you got a couple of players coming on wanting to make an impact and change the game for the better. It doesn’t always change the game the way we want to,” Marx said.
“I haven’t been considered anywhere else to be honest. I’m just going to stick to hooker, I don’t think picking me at lock or loose forward is going to benefit them in any way!
“It’s never been a discussion. You got your more dynamic guys, the Kwagga Smiths and the Pieter-Steph du Toits who can cover wing. I’ve never been part of those conversations about moving to the wing, which I’m actually thankful for!”
@JohnGoliath82