In a tactical move that exemplifies the Springboks' relentless pursuit of innovation, head coach Rassie Erasmus has revealed that world-class hooker Malcolm Marx is being trialled to play on the flank.
The bombshell revelation came during the team announcement for the Springboks' upcoming Test against the Wallabies at Optus Stadium in Perth. Marx has been named on a heavily rotated substitute bench, but his role later in the match could look vastly different from his usual position in the middle of the front row.
Erasmus explained that the potential shift is part of a fluid, in-game contingency plan tied to the versatility of young prop Jan-Hendrik Wessels.
"Even later in the game, if Ox Nché comes on, Jan-Hendrik might move to hooker, and we’ve been trying Malcolm on the flank as well," Erasmus revealed.
The Bok mastermind noted that the radical experimentation is born out of a necessity to protect his players during a gruelling international season.
"We’re trying to save the bodies, and manage the guys while winning but also building some squad depth."
The experimental move with Marx is just one piece of a fascinating puzzle Erasmus has put together for the Perth Test. The Boks have named a completely overhauled starting front row, featuring props Jan-Hendrik Wessels and Zachary Porthen alongside starting hooker Johan Grobbelaar.
With regular loose forwards being rested or rotated, Marco van Staden has been handed the No. 8 jersey, packing down in an unconventional loose trio alongside Elrigh Louw and Paul de Villiers. Erasmus expects Van Staden to replicate the tireless, ground-hogging work-rate of Australia's breakdown specialists.
"There’s not a specific role for the eighthman apart from scrumming," the Bok boss said. "If you take Paul, Marco, Elrigh, Jasper [Wiese] if he comes on, André Esterhuizen and others, I think the breakdown battle is going to be massive."
"Marco will have a massive impact there. Like Fraser McReight and the guys in their team, there are certainly guys who can disrupt a defensive breakdown. They’re really good at that, and hopefully Marco can help sort that out for us."
While the starting lineup boasts a lot of energy, Erasmus acknowledged it also carries the risk of rustiness. To mitigate this, the Boks have named powerhouse No. 8 Jasper Wiese on the bench. If Wessels, Grobbelaar, or the new combinations falter, Wiese is ready to step in for what will be a historic 50th Test cap milestone.
"We’d have loved to start Jasper, but we need some security on the bench. We’re sure the guys who are going to start are going to be a little bit energetic and haven’t played for a while. There might be some combination hiccups," Erasmus admitted.
Erasmus praised Wiese, who will win his 50th Test cap if he crosses the whitewash, for selflessly accepting the backup role to ensure things do not go "pear-shaped" in Western Australia.
By blooding youth and trialling hybrid roles for veterans like Marx, the Springboks are signalling that their evolutionary drive shows no signs of slowing down.
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