Bombshell: Springboks may play Malcolm Marx in new position

Rassie Erasmus is renowned as a master of creativity and innovation, and in recent times the Springbok boss has led the way in terms of embracing the multi-faceted value of a ‘hybrid player’.

This has primarily seen Andre Esterhuizen deployed at both inside centre and on the flank, making the 32-year-old one of the most integral members of the Springbok matchday 23.

Erasmus has also recently hinted that he could consider deploying Paul de Villiers in a similar – but reverse – role where the regular openside flank could be tested out at centre.

Another bit of creative thinking now applies to Springbok hooker Malcolm Marx

In another fascinating development, Erasmus revealed during the Springbok team announcement for this Sunday’s Test against the Wallabies that regular hooker Malcolm Marx could be set for a ‘trial’ on the flank.

“Even later in the game, if Ox Nché comes on, Jan-Hendrik (Wessels) might move to hooker, and we’ve been trying Malcolm on the flank as well.

“We’re trying to save the bodies, and manage the guys while winning but also building some squad depth.”

Marx certainly has all the physical attributes to make an impact in a role on the flank, especially considering his impact at the breakdown as a fetcher.

For this weekend’s clash, Erasmus has also opted to try De Villiers at No 8 as opposed to his usual position at openside flank.

“There’s not a specific role for the eighthman apart from scrumming,” Erasmus stated.

“If you take Paul, Marco (van Staden), Elrigh (Louw), Jasper (Wiese) if he comes on, André Esterhuizen and others, I think the breakdown battle is going to be massive.

“Marco will have a massive impact there. Like Fraser McReight and the guys in their team, there are certainly guys who can disrupt a defensive breakdown. They’re really good at that and hopefully Marco can help sort that out for us.”

The match kicks off at 11:45 (SA Time) and will be broadcast live on SuperSport.

HOW THE TEAM WILL LINE UP

SPRINGBOKS – 15 Aphelele Fassi, 14 Edwill van der Merwe, 13 Canan Moodie, 12 Andre Esterhuizen (c), 11 Ethan Hooker, 10 Handre Pollard, 9 Herschel Jantjies, 8 Marco van Staden, 7 Elrigh Louw, 6 Paul de Villiers, 5 Franco Mostert, 4 Eben Etzebeth, 3 Zachary Porthen, 2 Johan Grobbelaar, 1 Jan-Hendrik Wessels.
Bench: 16 Malcolm Marx, 17 Ox Nche, 18 Wilco Louw, 19 Lood de Jager, 20 Jasper Wiese, 21 Morne van den Berg, 22 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, 23 Quan Horn.