Rassie Erasmus Explains Surprise Malcolm Marx Role as Springboks Prepare New Plan vs Wallabies

• Springboks head coach Rassie Erasmus named Malcolm Marx on the bench ahead of Sunday's Test against Australia in Perth
• Erasmus outlined a specific contingency plan that could see the hooker deployed in an unfamiliar position during the match
• The coach also explained what he expects from No 8 Marco van Staden and addressed a revamped front row combination

Springboks coach Rassie Erasmus has confirmed that Malcolm Marx could be used as a flanker during Sunday's Test against the Wallabies in Perth, as part of the team's squad depth management strategy.

Marx has been named among the replacements for the match at Optus Stadium, with Erasmus revealing that the coaching staff have been experimenting with deploying the experienced hooker on the flank. Props Jan-Hendrik Wessels and Zachary Porthen will start alongside hooker Johan Grobbelaar in the front row.

Van Staden's role and the breakdown battle

No 8 Marco van Staden forms a loose trio with Elrigh Louw and Paul de Villiers, with Erasmus making clear that Van Staden's primary purpose is scrummaging, though he expects him to be a significant presence at the breakdown.

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Erasmus added that should either Louw or De Villiers be injured during the match, lock Franco Mostert and captain André Esterhuizen are capable of shifting to blindside and openside respectively.

Bench depth and front row flexibility

Jasper Wiese could reach a notable milestone in Perth, with the loose forward set to earn his 50th Test cap if he is introduced from the bench. Erasmus also views him as an important insurance option should the starting loose trio encounter problems, while praising Wiese for embracing his role among the replacements.

Erasmus said the decision to hand Johan Grobbelaar a starting berth was influenced by both form and the need to give fresh players an opportunity after veteran hooker Deon Fourie started three successive Tests at the age of 39.

The Springboks are also preparing for several positional changes depending on how the match develops. Erasmus indicated that Jan-Hendrik Wessels could switch to hooker if Ox Nché enters the game, while Marx has also been training as a possible flank option.

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The approach is part of Erasmus' broader effort to manage player workloads while continuing to develop greater versatility and depth within the squad.

Springboks release two stars before Wallabies Test

Briefly News previously reported that Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus confirmed that two players left the touring squad ahead of the Wallabies clash on 27 September

Utility forward Pieter-Steph du Toit and centre Damian de Allende were released to spend time with their families after a demanding schedule.

Source: Briefly News