Current World Rugby Player of the Year Malcolm Marx has developed a healthy respect for the All Blacks’ leading hookers after years of facing them at both Super Rugby and international level.
Malcolm Marx knows better than most what it means to face the All Blacks. He made his Test debut against New Zealand and has experienced the unique challenge of taking on one of rugby’s greatest sides on the international stage more times than any other team he has faced.
Springbok head coach Rassie Erasmus admits South Africa has eagerly awaited the opportunity to finally focus on their highly anticipated Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series against New Zealand, while stressing the respect they have for their greatest rivals.
Springbok head coach Rassie Erasmus has moved to quash suggestions that South Africa’s decision to delay their team announcement until Thursday is an act of arrogance, insisting the move is instead a sign of respect for the All Blacks.
Vodacom Bulls head coach Johan Ackermann praised his players for their character and effort despite suffering a heavy defeat to the All Blacks at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday, insisting there were plenty of positives to take from their performance.
The All Blacks will head into their first Greatest Rivalry Test against South Africa with several key selection decisions still to be made, as head coach Dave Rennie provided positive updates on Will Jordan and Cam Roigard while admitting Damian McKenzie remains less certain.
Despite a spirited second-half effort, the Vodacom Bulls were ultimately no match for the might and mastery of the All Blacks, conceding eight tries in a 50-19 defeat at Loftus Versfeld.
One of rugby’s worst-kept secrets was finally revealed on Thursday morning when 32-year-old Richie Mo’unga was called up to the All Blacks squad for Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry.
The DHL Stormers are treating Friday night’s blockbuster clash against the All Blacks with the intensity of a Test match, with director of rugby John Dobson insisting his side is determined to make history rather than simply use the encounter as a pre-season exercise. While the fixture initially presented unique challenges to the Stormers’ preparations,