Springbok hooker Malcolm Marx has taken responsibility for his part in the Boks’ misfiring lineout in recent Tests.
Not for the first time this season, the Boks had a sub-80% lineout success rate at Eden Park, with several key opportunities wasted.
Marx’s lineout throws often misfired, especially when targeting Ruan Nortje instead of Eben Etzebeth, while he also conceded a free kick for taking too long to throw the ball in.
Nortje did, however, manage a key steal off an All Blacks’ throw and was his usual busy self around the park.
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Speaking to the media at the team announcement in Wellington, Marx was quick to put up his hand and say he hasn’t been at his best in that department.
“I’ve also got to take some form of responsibility. I’ve got to get the ball in right, make sure I get it in the right areas where it’s been called. For me, I think I need to make a personal step-up and make sure that I’m a bit more accurate.”
The Springboks’ famed midfield ‘lineout’ also bombed when it was snuffed out by All Blacks lock Tupou Vaa’i, which then led to a New Zealand scrum.
Marx says the All Blacks were well prepared for whatever they had planned at lineout time.
“They were very good at contesting. I think the All Blacks prepped really well, especially on our four-man lineouts. So you’ve got to give credit where credit is due.”
Photo: Shaun Roy/Gallo Images
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