Springbok hooker Malcolm Marx blames himself for his team’s erratic lineout performance in the 24-17 loss to the All Blacks in Auckland.
The Springbok lineout has been far from clinical this season, whether it has been Marx or Bongi Mbonambi throwing. At Eden Park, missed lineouts at crucial times and in vital areas of the field cost the Boks dearly.
Marx, a veteran of 81 Tests, also suffered the ignominy of being penalised for a balked throw. Speaking to the media in Wellington on Thursday, the 31-year-old admitted his part in the problem.
“I’ve also got to take some form of responsibility,” Marx said.
“I’ve got to get the ball in right, make sure I get it in the right areas where it’s been called. I need to make a personal step-up and make sure that I’m a bit more accurate.”
In mitigation, Marx said the All Blacks had done their homework on the Bok line-out.
“They were very good at contesting. I think the All Blacks prepped very well, especially on our four-man lineouts. So you’ve got to give credit where credit is due.”
Marx continues as the starting hooker this week in a pack that shows minimal changes compared to the revamp of the backline.
The notable change is at No 8, where Jasper Wiese returns after serving a four-match suspension for head-butting an Italian opponent in July.
“Jasper-san is not a professional player, he’s a professional trainer,” Rassie Erasmus joked at the team announcement press conference.
“For the last eight weeks, he’s just been training, so we’re very happy to have him back.
“Jasper probably won’t go the full 80, but it’s great to have him back in the mix. He’s always been one of our standout players, and in a big Test match like this, we’ll need him.”
Erasmus insisted Wiese’s return does not solve a perceived No 8 crisis.
“Siya Kolisi did a great job in the first game against Australia at Ellis Park until he hurt his knee, and I thought he did a good job again last weekend. Kwagga Smith does well when he comes on, and now having Jasper back is obviously a massive plus.”
