Malcolm Marx expects fierce Springboks-All Blacks battle at Ellis Park

Springbok hooker Malcolm Marx expects an intense battle when South Africa face New Zealand in the opening match of the Castle Lager Double Malt Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series in Johannesburg on Saturday.

The match at 10bet Ellis Park starts at 17:10 and will be broadcast live on SuperSport.

The Johannesburg encounter is the first of four back-to-back clashes between the Springboks and All Blacks.

Representing South Africa

Marx, the 2025 World Rugby and SA Rugby Men’s Player of the Year, said representing South Africa carried responsibility beyond the players and their families.

“As a little boy you always dream of representing your country one day,” Marx told Springboks.rugby.

“Representing your country against what is one of the best teams in the world and experiencing it at an international level is a whole other level. If I’m selected for this weekend, I’ll try and grab the opportunity with both hands and give everything I can.”

Boks Prepare for a Major Test

Despite the hype around the inaugural series, Marx said the Springboks were treating the match like any other Test.

“I wouldn’t say (this week and competition) is more intense. We’ve always said we treat each Test match the same. That said, we know the magnitude of this series and how big this weekend’s game is going to be, and we’re trying to prepare accordingly.”

Breakdown Battle Takes Centre Stage

The breakdown contest has attracted plenty of attention ahead of the Test.

Marx said the Springboks had analysed New Zealand’s threats while assessing areas where they needed to improve.

“We’re doing a lot of analysis and seeing where we can be better from previous games, and obviously identifying the threats they pose in that area,” said Marx.

“We’re working really hard at the things we need to improve on and bearing in mind the small things they do around the breakdown. We’ve also been looking at our own opportunities there, which we’ve been working hard on this past week, so we’ll see how the weekend goes if I’m selected.”

Marx Ready for Codie Taylor Challenge

Marx has faced All Blacks hooker Codie Taylor several times for club and country.

He praised Taylor’s physicality and set-piece work, while noting the quality of New Zealand’s other hooker options.

“We’ve (Codie and I) obviously played against each other for a good number of years from the Crusaders to the All Blacks, and I have the utmost respect for him,” said Marx.

Last Year’s Victory Is in the Past

The Springboks defeated the All Blacks in Wellington last year, but Marx dismissed suggestions that result gave South Africa an advantage.

He echoed scrumhalf Grant Williams’ view that the team’s focus must remain on the challenge ahead.

“I definitely don’t think we have the edge because of last year. That’s in the past and we’ve got to deal with what is now in front of us.

Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus will announce his matchday team for the encounter on Thursday.

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