Who Will Replace Malcolm Marx: Malcolm Marx is a professional rugby player from South Africa who predominantly plays as a hooker. He has played for both the South African national rugby team and the Japanese Top League’s Kubota Spears. Throughout his educational years, he attended King Edward VII School in Johannesburg. Marx played for multiple teams and made significant contributions during his adolescent and college rugby career.
Participating in tournaments such as the Under-13 Craven Week competition and the Under-16 Grant Khomo Week competition while representing the Golden Lions, he displayed his talent at a tender age. Marx has been a crucial player for both his club and the national team throughout his professional career, renowned for his skills as a hooker and contributions to the sport.
Who Will Replace Malcolm Marx?
Following Malcolm Marx’s unfortunate injury, the Springboks, the South African national rugby team, are tasked with finding a successor. The Springboks have not yet decided whether they will immediately call up a replacement hooker to replace Marx, a specialist in the position.
???? CONFIRMED????
Malcolm Marx has been ruled out of the #RWC2023 with a long-term knee injury.
He will not be replaced in the squad at this stage.#RSA pic.twitter.com/nsILlUHDmz
— Jared Wright (@jaredwright17) September 14, 2023
Instead, they have stated that they feel adequately protected by the squad. Bongi Mbonambi and Deon Fourie have been chosen as the team’s primary hooking options. In addition, flanker Marco van Staden has been training as a hooker, which has sparked rumours regarding his prospective role on the team.
The Springboks will evaluate their requirements for the remainder of the Rugby World Cup and confirm whether they will add a player later in the tournament. This decision may affect the team’s composition and could result in the consideration of players such as Handre Pollard and Lukhanyo Am for inclusion.
Rugby World Cup 2023: Match schedule, how to watch, latest news, odds
Why Is Malcolm Marx Not Competing in the Rugby World Cup?
Malcolm Marx will not participate in the Rugby World Cup in France due to a chronic knee injury. Marx’s knee was injured during training when it was struck in contact, resulting in a significant setback for the player. This injury was not only a devastating loss to Marx, but also to the Springboks, the South African national rugby team.
Marx had been diligently working to be in peak form for the tournament and was regarded one of the key players in the squad. Unfortunately, this injury abruptly terminated his season, leaving a void in the team’s lineup and diminishing their chances of retaining their French championship. Marx’s knee injury, the nature and severity of which were not immediately disclosed, was believed to be a long-term concern that would sideline him for an extended period.
Substitute for Malcolm Marx
The South African national rugby team, the Springboks, is still considering Malcolm Marx’s replacement. Even though Marx was a specialist in his position, the Springboks have not yet decided on a replacement hooker to replace him. They have instead expressed confidence in the squad’s available reserve.
Bongi Mbonambi and Deon Fourie have been selected as the squad’s principal hooker options, with Marco van Staden, an openside flanker who has been training as a hooker, as an additional option. The Springboks have indicated that they will evaluate their requirements for the remainder of the Rugby World Cup and announce whether they intend to add a player later in the competition.
Handre Pollard’s Return Potential
Handre Pollard’s possible return to the Springboks is a topic of rumour given the uncertainty surrounding Malcolm Marx’s successor and the team’s exploration of options from within its current roster. A composed pivot, Handre Pollard has returned to training with the Leicester Tigers and is geographically near to France, where the Rugby World Cup is being held.
Although Handre Pollard is not a hooker, his inclusion could provide the Springboks with a unique opportunity. Pollard is well-known for his goal-kicking skills, and his return to the team could help alleviate its goal-kicking issues. However, such a transfer would be fraught with danger, as a hooker is a highly specialised position, and Pollard would have difficulty adapting to it. The Springboks will need to carefully weigh their options and evaluate how their decision will affect their performance in the remainder of the Rugby World Cup.
