Springboks determined to raise standards despite favourites tag against Wales

The Welsh travelled to South Africa after suffering a 35-21 defeat to Argentina and will be desperate to respond with an improved display. 

Although the Springboks secured a record 73-0 victory over the visitors the last time the teams met in Cardiff, Marx expects a fiercely contested encounter.

"A very physical side. A very confrontational full pack as well. I'm looking forward to that challenge. Yes, in the past couple of years I have played against them, it's always been a tough battle. They don't back down, so I think it's going to take a full 80-minute performance this weekend," said Marx.

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The Springboks go into the encounter with confidence after opening their Nations Championship campaign with successive victories over England and Scotland. 

While South Africa will start as favourites, Marx insists previous results will count for little, adding that the squad is focused on maintaining its standards and continuing to improve with every outing rather than becoming complacent.

"There's always room for improvement regardless of how the game goes, whether you think you've had a perfect game or not. The game of rugby is not perfect. There will obviously always be errors and mistakes. So I think just working on the small things that we maybe felt we didn't get right last week and the previous two weeks we've played and trying to improve those."

"Like I said, we're focusing on Wales; we know how physical they can be and what a threat they are . So obviously, just preparing ourselves the best that we can and working on those small one or two percentages to get better for this weekend."

Marx will add another milestone to an already distinguished international career as he earns his 88th Test cap for South Africa. The reigning World Rugby Player of the Year is among the most experienced players in the matchday squad, with only Jesse Kriel, Damian de Allende and captain Pieter-Steph du Toit boasting more Test appearances. Despite his achievements, Marx says every opportunity to wear the green and gold must still be earned and that he approaches each selection with the same determination.

Marx lifted the Rugby World Cup in Japan in 2019 but saw his 2023 campaign cut short after suffering a knee injury in training following South Africa’s opening match in France. With the next World Cup on the horizon in Australia, the experienced hooker says the tournament is a long-term objective, but his immediate priority is to keep performing consistently and give himself the best possible chance of being selected.