Malcolm Marx takes ownership of Bok lineout struggles, vows sharper execution
By
SABC Sport
9th September 2025
Malcolm Marx has acknowledged that the Springboks need to sharpen their lineout accuracy, and has vowed to improve his own performance.
The South African No 2 was a try-scorer in last Saturday's 17-24 loss to the All Blacks in Auckland, but would not have been satisfied with his accuracy in the set-piece.
The Springboks lost four of their 18 lineouts in Auckland, leaving their overall tournament accuracy at just 79 percent after three rounds. They have secured 34 of 43 throws so far, which also included an 11/16 return in the opener against the Wallabies in Johannesburg.
It's an overall percentage that ranks the Boks fourth best in the Rugby Championship. Argentina currently has the most dependable set-piece, checking in at 88.2 per cent, having won 30 of their 34 throws.
Next best are New Zealand with an 86.4 per cent success rate (38/44), while Australia is on 84 per cent (37/44).
It's an unusual situation for the Boks to find themselves in and Marx, who is set to start again at hooker for the Springboks next Saturday in Wellington, has vowed to do better.
Appearing at Monday's latest team unveiling, Marx was asked to shed light on why it seems like the Springboks' lineout isn't purring as well as it had been in the past.
"I also need to take some formal responsibility for it," he replied.
"I have got to get the ball in right, make sure I'm hitting it in the right areas where it has been called. It's also down to good contesting at the same time.
"The All Blacks prepped really, really well, especially on our four-man, and so you've got to credit them. But I need to make a personal step-up in making sure that I'm a bit more accurate."
This Saturday will be Marx's 82nd Test match appearance for the Springboks. Six of the pack that started at Eden Park have been retained, with only Eben Etzebeth and Marco van Staden missing out to accommodate the promotion of sub Lood de Jager and the return from suspension of Jasper Wiese.
There are five changes in the backline, with only Cheslin Kolbe and Canan Moodie keeping their places.
