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Report: Springboks hooker Malcolm Marx out of Rugby World Cup
Springbok hooker Malcolm Marx has been ruled out of the Rugby World Cup as confirmed by the team today.
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He had been sent for scans following a training run scare after he “pulled up lame” at Springboks training in Toulon on Wednesday despite not being named to play this week against Romania.
Scans confirmed the worst for the 29-year-old who has a “long-term knee injury” suspected to be an ACL tear.
BREAKING: Malcolm Marx has been ruled out of #RWC2023 – more here: https://t.co/G8KIbhmTrh 🚨#Springboks #StrongerTogether pic.twitter.com/X0LjVQuNl3
— Springboks (@Springboks) September 14, 2023
Head coach Jacques Nienaber spoke briefly about Marx during his weekly team selection press conference.
“Malcolm wasn’t selected for this game, so that doesn’t change anything in terms of the selection of this particular game,” head coach Nienaber said of the selection.
“I’m not 100 percent sure, but I don’t think we’re allowed to give out medical information about a player.
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“It’ll be better to talk to him, or he gives the doctor the green light, who is probably in a better space to talk and will know more than I do.”
The Springboks do not have a third specialist hooker in their squad with Bongi Mbonambi, due to start against Namibia, the only other recognised hooker.
Deon Fourie is due to provide cover off the bench this weekend, while Stormers rake Joseph Dweba is on standby outside the squad.
Marx joins star Eben Etzebeth as injury concerns with the lock expected to be back in 7-10 days following a shoulder issue suffered against Scotland.
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Suggest Rugby Pass get better moderator. Lot of comments here shouldnt pass muster. We need good rugby discussion, not childish insults
lol, SA getting a taste of their own medicine. With the amount of injuries this dodgy side have given to other sides, now it is time for SA to have a taste of their own medicine. May it continue, more please, because I do not think it will be just Marx that gets injured. Group B is sure to give more, haha.
It is what you deserve South Africa, the way you play and have got away with citing's and red cards yourselves in the past few months. What goes around, comes around. I have no sympathy and certainly no respect after the way the South African supporters were after the NZ rout. Just plain arrogance at the highest level, so from a Kiwi to the South African public, I hope you are GUTTED, because you deserved it.
A big blow. I love how he plays. I still believe SA will win. I am a KIWI. SA is strong up front, skilled backs & Rassie You gotta love him!) Only weakness is goal kicking consistency.
Here's hoping SA can sneak a win against Ireland. Without Marx you'd back NZ against the Saffas any day of the week. Especially if we get a ref that lets the game flow so the blob squad blows out after 10 minutes. It'll be Albany all over again.
Arguably the best #2 on the planet atm and a big blow the Boks. The opposition (and certain salty antipodean fans) will be chuffed to bits. But the Boks have depth, so it's not game over just yet.
Hammer blow for the Springboks, His lineout throws and work at the breakdown are second to none. Bongi throws the odd howlers in games and doesnt really win turnovers.
Bok setpiece dominance just took a massive knock here. Just from this news Boks chances of winning the WC drop 15%.
You have to feel sorry for any player injured out of the tournament. But Karma is Karma. As soon as Marx put on that fake nonsense and histrionics to get Scott Barrett red carded, you knew this was going to happen. And the replacements are so far behind his level that this will seriously weaken SA.
Arguably south africas best player, in arguably the position where they have the least depth. Ouch.
Almost catastrophic, but I hope he's not replaced by Dweba. They should take the opportunity to bring in Pollard.