Malcolm Marx says the Springboks are carrying the weight of 64 to 65 million South Africans into Saturday's opening clash of the Castle Lager Double Malt Rugby's Greatest Rivalry series against the All Blacks at 10bet Ellis Park, with kick-off at 17h10.
The 2025 World Rugby and SA Rugby Men's Player of the Year is not yet confirmed in the matchday team — Rassie Erasmus announces his selection on Thursday — but Marx made clear he intends to take his chance if named. "If I'm selected for this weekend, I'll try and grab the opportunity with both hands and give everything I can," he said.
Despite the heightened attention around the inaugural RGR series, Marx insisted the squad's preparation mindset has not shifted. "We've always said we treat each Test match the same. That said, we know the magnitude of this series and how big this weekend's game is going to be, and we're trying to prepare accordingly."
Much of the pre-match focus has centred on the breakdown battle. Marx confirmed significant analytical work has gone into that area, both in identifying New Zealand's threats and sharpening the Boks' own opportunities. "We're working really hard at the things we need to improve on and bearing in mind the small things they do around the breakdown," he said.
On the hooker match-up, Marx offered genuine respect for Codie Taylor while noting the depth across all three All Black hooker options. "He's a great rugby player and I like the way he plays the game — extremely physical and good at the set pieces. We'll have a bit of a laugh and a beer after the game, but on the day we both know we've got a job to do."
Marx was equally emphatic that last year's victory in Wellington carries no weight into Saturday. "I definitely don't think we have the edge because of last year. We know the All Blacks will come at us guns blazing. We can't rely on what happened in the past to take us through this game."
The match, the first of four consecutive Tests between the two sides, will be broadcast live on SuperSport.