Malcolm Marx ruled out after knee injury
The Springboks have been dealt a massive injury blow as Malcolm Marx has been ruled out of the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
Star Springbok hooker Malcolm Marx has been ruled out of the remainder of the Rugby World Cup with injury.
Marx was reportedly injured in training this week having his knee caught in a contact situation.
Despite the specialised nature of his position the Springboks do not intend to replace Marx immediately feeling they have sufficient cover in the position.
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MALCOLM MARX STRUCK BY MASSIVE INJURY BLOW
Jacques Nienaber was satisfied that loose forwards Deon Fourie and Marco van Staden would offer sufficient backup to Bongi Mbonambi.
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“First and foremost, we are extremely disappointed for Malcolm, and we wish him all the best in his recovery,” said Nienaber.
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“He’s been working very hard to be in the best form possible for the tournament and it’s tragic that his campaign has ended this way.
“We have enough cover at hooker with Bongi (Mbonambi) and Deon (Fourie) in the squad, while Marco (van Staden) has also been training there and has been named on all our team sheets so far as a hooker option,” he said.
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“We’ll assess our needs for the rest of the tournament and confirm who we are calling up as an additional player later this week.”
JOSEPH DWEBA ON STANDBY
While Marx will not be replaced immediately, the Springboks have placed Stormers hooker Joseph Dweba on standby to join the squad in France.
Marx, who is the all-time leading try-scorer among Springbok forwards, is a key player for the Springboks given his jackaling ability and attacking acumen in both the loose as well as directing the maul.
He effectively operates as an extra loose forward on defence which is why the Springboks have tried to convert a pair of fetching flankers into hookers to cover for the star man.
This is a huge blow to the Springboks with Marx delivering so much to this team.
Do you think the Springboks can win the Rugby World Cup again?
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