Malcolm Marx’s World Cup campaign in France is a thing of the past.
The 29-year-old hooker, who held up the Webb Ellis trophy with the Springboks in Yokohama in 2019, injured his knee in one of the South Africans’ training sessions on Wednesday.
Jacques Nienaber confirmed on Thursday that it is a long-term injury and that Marx will be on the sidelines for a while.
“First of all we want to wish Malcolm the best of luck and we are disappointed with him. He worked incredibly hard to be at his best for the tournament and it is sad that his participation has to come to an end in such a way,” said the Springbok coach.
“Just as we do with Lukhanyo (Am), Handré (Pollard) and Lood (de Jager), we will stay in regular contact with him to support him on his recovery path.”
Bongi Mbonambi is the other hook in the group, while the versatile Deon Fourie and even Marco van Staden can also be approached to stand their man in the important position.
In addition, the Stormers’ Joseph Dweba is on the South Africans’ player assistance list along with Pollard and co.
“We will analyze the team’s needs for the rest of the tournament and later make a decision about an additional player.”
Marx has represented the Springboks in 64 tests and he is widely regarded as one of the best forwards on the international stage.
He scored his 17th try for South Africa in the Boks’ great performance at Twickenham, while he also impressed with his break-in game against Scotland in Marseille.
???? CONFIRMED????
Malcolm Marx has been ruled out of the #RWC2023 with a long-term knee injury.
He will not be replaced in the squad at this stage.#RSA pic.twitter.com/nsILlUHDmz
— Jared Wright (@jaredwright17) September 14, 2023
