The Springboks head into their second Pool B Rugby World Cup clash against Romania in Bordeaux today (3pm SA time), reeling from the news that one of their key players, hooker Malcolm Marx will play no further part in the tournament.
The 29-year-old, who was not included in Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber’s match day squad to face the Romanians, went down at training on Wednesday after having his knee caught in contact.
The loss of Marx, who has been ruled out of the rest of the global showpiece due to injury, is a massive blow for the Springboks in France, given the impact the hooker has made for the world champions over the years.
There will be no replacement for now for Marx as the Boks have sufficient cover at hooker.
The match against Romania will be special for Bongi Mbonambi after he was handed the responsibility of captaining his country in the absence of Siya Kolisi, who is one of several players rested for this match.
Nienaber named an unusual team to face the Romanians, making 14 changes from the side that won their opening match against Scotland last week. Damian Willemse is the only player who has been retained in the team, with players such as Grant Williams, Vincent Koch, Cobus Reinach and Ox Nche also getting a run.
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