Jacques Nienaber: Malcolm Marx embodies what it is to be a Springbok

Dylan Coetzee
Malcolm Marx

Springboks coach Jacques Nienaber heaped praise on hooker Malcolm Marx, who put in a sublime performance on his 50th Test.

Marx was brilliant for South Africa in their 26-10 win over the All Blacks in Nelspruit, underlining his prowess at the breakdown.

The Springboks were clinical on the night and compounded the issues in the All Blacks camp by dominating New Zealand in most facets of the game.

A true Springbok

Nienaber worked with Marx from U20 level and claimed the hooker embodies all the qualities of what the Springboks are about as a team.

“He was outstanding and that’s Malcolm for you. He’s probably the one guy who amplifies what the Springboks are about,” Nienaber said.

“He had to work hard and he made the change from loose forward to hooker, and he really had to work hard to get to where he is.

“I’ve worked with him since his Under-20 days and it’s phenomenal to see how the guy has developed and what he’s become.

“These milestone games are just milestone games and it will prepare him for the road going forward, which is the next 50 Tests.”

Impressive attitude

Springboks captain Siya Kolisi also commended Marx’s attitude and said he was proud of the hooker’s milestone.

“I was telling him how proud I was of him and I honoured him because, like the rest of the guys in our team, he can start in any other Test,” Kolisi said.

“Coach Jacques speaks openly and honestly to our pack and Malcolm never complains, on and off the field.”

Kolisi said it was impressive how Marx stood up in such a big game, and it is a moment the soon-to-be father will cherish going forward.

“For him to step up in a game like this was immense. He’s going to be a father soon and I was thanking him and his family for being there for him,” said the flanker.

“He’s a special guy and Faf de Klerk calls him the teddy bear of the team. He’s always cracking jokes, but on the field, he switches on.”

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