Marx expects All Blacks to challenge Springboks at scrum time

Malcolm Marx says South Africa are preparing for an intense scrum battle against New Zealand when the two sides meet in the opening Test of the Greatest Rivalry series at Ellis Park on Saturday.

The Springboks are widely regarded as the most feared scrummaging team in world rugby, and the set-piece is expected to provide an important platform for their attack. However, hooker Marx believes the All Blacks will be determined to test South Africa rather than give them an easy advantage.

Although the Springboks have had the better of recent encounters between the sides, Marx says previous results will count for little when the latest contest begins.

“We know the All Blacks will obviously come after us at the scrums and we’re obviously working extremely hard at it and so are they,” Marx told reporters on Tuesday afternoon.

South Africa have devoted significant attention to their scrum work during the build-up to the match, with Marx stressing that the team must rely on its preparation instead of its recent record against New Zealand.

“We can’t rely on what’s happened in the past to take us through this game.

“We’ve got to make sure we’ve done the work throughout the last couple of weeks in order to give us the best chance on the weekend,” he added.

The opening Test carries considerable importance for both teams, with Marx acknowledging the scale of the series and the level of preparation required by the Springboks.

‘We know the magnitude of what this series is,” Marx said.

“We know how big this weekend’s game is going to be. And obviously we’re trying to prepare accordingly. But we’re working really hard at it.”

While physical work has been central to South Africa’s preparations, Marx said the squad had also spent time studying the All Blacks’ approach. That analysis has included identifying the areas where the Springboks can improve on their previous performances, as well as examining the threats New Zealand pose at the breakdown.

“We’re obviously doing a lot of analysis and seeing where we can be better from previous games. And obviously seeing the threats that they bring in that aspect of the game,” Marx emphasized.

The Springboks have also considered the smaller details of New Zealand’s breakdown work, while looking for opportunities to put pressure on their opponents in the same area.

“So we’re working really hard at the things that we need to improve on. And obviously bearing in mind the small things that they do around the breakdown and obviously looking where there’s opportunity for us as well.”

The match at Ellis Park kicks off at 17:10 on Saturday.