Malcolm Marx has admitted the Springboks must sharpen up their lineout execution after their 24-17 defeat to the All Blacks in Auckland.
The hooker crossed for a try at Eden Park but was part of a set-piece that faltered under pressure. South Africa lost four of their 18 lineouts, leaving their tournament success rate at just 79% — the lowest in the Rugby Championship after three rounds. By comparison, Argentina lead the stats with 88.2%, New Zealand sit at 86.4%, and Australia at 84%.
While the Boks struggled in the wet conditions, the All Blacks delivered a flawless 15/15 performance, underlining the gap in accuracy. Marx, set to start again in Wellington, accepted responsibility and pledged improvement.
“I need to make a personal step-up,” he said at Monday’s team announcement. “I’ve got to get the ball in right and make sure I’m hitting the right areas where it’s been called. Of course, it also comes down to the quality of the opposition contest, but I take ownership of my part.”
With the lineout long regarded as one of South Africa’s most reliable weapons, Marx’s candid admission reflects the urgency for the Boks to rediscover their precision ahead of the Wellington rematch.
