Hooker Malcolm Marx casts an eye to the Springboks’ two-Test tour of New Zealand this year, while highlighting South Africa’s evolution under Kiwi attack guru Tony Brown.
The world champions are set to face New Zealand in Auckland and Wellington on successive Saturdays in the 2025 Rugby Championship, the first of those two Tests to be played on 6 September at Eden Park – where the All Blacks are unbeaten in 50 Tests.
South Africa have won just one of 10 Tests against the All Blacks at the venue, that result logged in 1937. However, the Boks haven’t faced the haka at Eden Park since 2013.
The Boks have played just once in New Zealand since 2019 – a 35-20 defeat at Mount Smart Stadium in Auckland, yet Rassie Erasmus’ men have four consecutive victories over the All Blacks, including winning the 2023 Rugby World Cup final.
Speaking on the Aotearoa Rugby Pod, two-time World Cup winner Marx addressed the challenge that awaits the Boks at Eden Park as the All Blacks look to preserve their unbeaten streak.
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“To play in New Zealand twice is big,” he said. “I’m not looking too far ahead. I’m just trying to apply myself now [with his Japanese club, Kubota Spears].
“I mean, it would be hell of exciting to be able to be on that tour and obviously play there. I think it’s going to be a huge two Tests.
“But we know playing New Zealand in New Zealand isn’t easy, it’s always a tough game so we’re obviously going to have to work hard.”
Brown joined Erasmus’ backroom staff in 2024 and with the former All Blacks flyhalf on board, the Bok attack has evolved significantly from the structured, kick-heavy approach that delivered World Cup glory in both 2019 and 2023.
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Known for his tactical acumen, Brown has injected a bolder philosophy that has seen the Boks embracing a more expansive style, aimed at unlocking defences with speed, skill and creativity.
“He’s a great coach, and the way that he thinks about the game, especially attack-wise, is awesome, giving the guys a lot more opportunity to express themselves,” Marx said.
“Not that we didn’t have that in the past. Felix [Jones] was also a great attack coach, obviously coached differently to the way that Tony coaches.
“I think the guys have got a bit more ability now to express themselves and sort of use their strengths on attack with the way that he wants us to attack.
“It’s brought a different dynamic… thinking outside the box with certain things and giving guys that opportunity to use their circus act, if I can put it that way.
“It’s been absolutely awesome to see the way that it’s evolved.”
Photo: Johan Orton/Gallo Images
