Springbok hooker Malcolm Marx has suffered a devastating blow as he has been ruled out of the remainder of the Rugby World Cup in France due to a long-term knee injury.
The talented player, who was not named in the matchday squad to face Romania, sustained the injury during a training session on Wednesday. Marx’s knee got caught in contact, leading to this unfortunate outcome.
Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber expressed his disappointment for Malcolm and wished him a speedy recovery. Nienaber acknowledged Marx’s dedication to prepare for the tournament and the setback he now faces. The team will provide support and remain in contact with him, as they do with other injured players like Lukhanyo Am, Handre Pollard, and Lood de Jager.
Fortunately, the Springboks have a larger squad of 33 players in France, allowing for sufficient cover at hooker. Therefore, Marx will not be replaced in the squad at this stage.
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Bongi Mbonambi and Deon Fourie are capable options at hooker within the squad, and even Marco van Staden has been training in that position. Van Staden has consistently been included as a hooker option in all the team sheets so far.
As the tournament progresses, the Springboks will evaluate their needs and decide on calling up an additional player later in the week. This decision will be made after careful assessment and consideration.
The team will now focus on their upcoming match against Romania. The Springboks will head to Bordeaux, where they will continue their preparations for the round two encounter at Stade de Bordeaux on Sunday. The team remains determined to perform well in the tournament despite the setback and aims to make their nation proud.
