Malcolm Marx: All Blacks will come after us at scrum time

The first Test of Rugby's Greatest Rivalry tour gets underway in Johannesburg on 22 August and the Springboks will not be taking anything for granted.

South Africa dominated the scrums in Tests against the All Blacks in 2025, but Marx believes the Springboks will be facing a different challenge this time around.

"Last year is the past and we have to deal with what's in front of us," he said.

"We know the All Blacks will come after us at scrum time and we are working hard at it, but so are they.

"We can't rely on the past to take us through the game. We have to ensure our work over the last couple of weeks has been done to give us the best chance this weekend.

"They are all explosive, good with the ball in hand and in defence and obviously great at set-piece.

"So, I think it'll be a great challenge for our hookers on the weekend. All three of them are really good. If given a shot, I am looking forward to the opportunity.

"The build-up hasn't been more intense, but we always say we treat each Test match the same and the magnitude of what this series is. We know how big this weekend will be and we try to prepare accordingly.

"I don't think I will tell you how we will try and stay on top of things, but we are working hard at it.

"We are doing plenty of analysis to see where we can improve from previous games and to look at the threats that they bring, like at the breakdown and to see if there are opportunities for us as well. We worked really hard and we will see how the weekend goes."

Both camps are holding their cards close to their chests with the teams only expected to be announced later in the week.

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