It was true to form that the try-scoring hero of the Springboks’ win over the All Blacks at Cape Town Stadium on Saturday - hooker Malcolm Marx - played down all praise of his incredible performance off the bench as just a small part of a bigger team performance.
In his short time on the field, Marx not only scored a try, but carried six times for 16 metres, underscoring the fact he made it over the gain line every time he touched the ball, beat two defenders and in the process, equalled James Small’s try-scoring feat in a Springbok jersey.
The feat means he is by far the leading try-scoring forward in Springbok history and one behind Pieter Rossouw, who is on 21 tries.
While the questions continue to swirl about why he starts off the bench when he is widely considered the best hooker in the world, Marx understands his role in the team, and is shy of claiming the glory that others would bask in.
It’s hard to believe this is the same young player who was blooded for the first time in 2016, who played in the 57-0 defeat against the All Blacks and has since risen to become a giant in the modern game.
Every time he comes on and puts on a performance like that, the questions swell again. But in the world of the Springboks, individual glory is secondary to team success and Marx understands that all too well.
“I’m speaking on behalf of myself here, but I am extremely grateful to be a part of this side. To represent your country is amazing - I wouldn’t just say this generation - Springbok rugby has always been a force in World Rugby but I would probably just say I am extremely grateful to be here. I cherish every moment and enjoy every chance I get,” he said after the game on Saturday, deflecting the praise.
“I think everybody knows their roles and responsibilities, whether you are starting on the bench or not in the 23. You have got a responsibility if you are not in the 23 to prepare the guys as best you can to play in that different weekend, whether you are starting or playing off the bench.
“We know what we are playing for, we know what we want to achieve and everybody cares. The main thing for me is to make an impact, in a positive way, and just represent my family, and my country and give my best in what we are doing.”
'HONOUR AND PRIVILEGE'
Marx was reminded of his journey from the youngster and the lows of 2016 and 2017 to the current golden run that this team is currently on.
“Regardless of how my journey was, it is an honour and a privilege to be here. From day one, whether we had lost by 50 points, which is obviously not a Springbok standard, it is an honour to represent your country and be a part of the Springboks,” he added.
“I don’t have much more to say, I’d just say it is just great to be part of what is happening at the moment and what has happened over the past few years. I’d probably say I’d cherish it a lot, its very important and it means a lot to me.”
Simply amazing 😏#TRC2024 pic.twitter.com/lLyvMP3hJh
— SuperSport Rugby (@SSRugby) September 7, 2024
When it came to praise, he reserved it for the opposition and the immense pressure they put the Springboks under.
“They are a great side and they have some great poachers as well. I just think we weren’t accurate enough, not only in the first half but also in the second half when they had a couple of penalties as well. That is obviously something we pride ourselves in - they were accurate and we were inaccurate at the breakdown. Obviously there are one or two things we need to work on and see if we can improve ahead of the coming games.”
But he did admit the 74th-minute yellow card for Tyrell Lomax was a boost for the side that upped the ante of their attack.
“Probably a little bit, but they are a great side, you can see the way they defended, we had to work hard to get that try. They put immense pressure on our breakdown, even though they were only 14 on the field. It speaks volume for the character that they have in that side as well.
“It wasn’t just me, there was a whole pack of forwards involved there, and I was just the one who managed to get it over the line. But there were another seven guys in front of me that were trying to put me in that position so that we could get the try. It is not just me, there are a whole lot of other factors there that go into it and it is awesome to see.”
And while Marx may not be comfortable with playing the starring role off the field, on the field he excels in it. At 30 years old now, the Boks will manage him towards the next World Cup, and his role will be whatever the team needs him to be.
Right now, off the bench, he is a superstar. And Saturday showed that once again.