John Smit: Malcolm Marx is South Africa’s best ever hooker

Springbok legend John Smit has made a gracious admission about Malcolm Marx, declaring the current star hooker the greatest player to have ever worn the No 2 jersey for South Africa.

Smit, who captained the Springboks in 83 of his 111 Tests, is himself regarded as one of the finest hookers in South African rugby history.

READ | Springbok player ratings in Baltimore

Continues to dominate

However, after watching Marx continue to dominate at the highest level, the former captain believes his successor has now surpassed him.

“There are a couple of things about Malcolm that make him the best in the world, certainly the best that’s worn the number two shirt in South Africa,” Smit said on the I Love Rugby podcast.

Marx produced yet another outstanding performance against the All Blacks as South Africa took a 3-1 series win in the four-Test Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series in Baltimore on Saturday.

He extended his record as the Springboks’ leading all-time forward try-scorer to 29 tries – the fifth-highest in South Africa’s history.

Schalk Burger follows in second place on a distant 16 tries.

Key player

The 32-year-old Marx has become one of Rassie Erasmus’ most important players, with his impact extending far beyond his work at hooker.

“He’s a beast, he’s a monstrous man, he’s athletic. He’s fast, he carries well, he steals, he scrums and he’s got an unbelievable throw,” Smit said.

“There are no real chinks in the armour.”

Malcolm Marx approaching another milestone

Marx’s form has seen him establish himself as one of the most feared hookers in international rugby.

He earned his 93rd Springbok cap against the All Blacks in Baltimore, putting him within touching distance of the coveted 100-Test milestone.

His influence is also highly valued inside the Springboks camp, with Smit praising Marx’s contribution to the team off the field.

“He’s good for the team; he’s the kind of guy that gets in there and serves the guys all the time. He’s providing a level of confidence,” Smit said.

The former captain believes Marx’s character is just as impressive as his rugby ability.

“He’s a better human being than he is a rugby player, he’s just such a good guy.”

‘The bane of every opposition’

Marx’s combination of physicality, athleticism and technical ability makes him a nightmare for opposition teams.

He can dominate at the set-piece, carry strongly, compete at the breakdown and contribute heavily in defence.

Yet despite being one of the most difficult players to contain on the field, Marx remains hugely respected by his opponents.

“He must be the bane of existence for every opposition team that play against him,” Smit said.

“But I don’t think there’s one person in world rugby who doesn’t like him as a human.”

For a player who has already helped the Springboks win multiple major trophies, Smit’s verdict represents perhaps the biggest compliment Marx could receive.

Where does Malcolm Marx rank among the most important players in the Springboks’ current success?