Malcolm Marx has a wealth of experience and in the absence of the now departed-props Ruan Dreyer (Gloucester) and Jacques van Rooyen (Bath), he is the new leader in the front row.
And today against the famous Argentine scrum, he will have to guide the new recruit from the Cape, rookie 21-year-old tighthead Carlu Sadie.
The scrum has been one of the Lions’ major weapons in recent years, often getting them out of trouble and winning them penalties, so between Marx and his two props, the team have to continue to dominate this crucial area of the game. But the hooker’s biggest task will be to find his lineout jumpers with pinpoint accuracy.
Duane Vermeulen makes a return to South Africa and will be hoping to make a big impact with his new team. Photo: Ryan Wilkisky/BackpagePix
It is an area of Marx’s game that isn’t quite at the standard he’d like, and he also no longer has a “banker” in Franco Mostert to aim at anymore either; the lock is now also playing overseas, also for Gloucester.
Hitting his targets today will, like the scrums, be key.
Dillyn Leyds will be integral in a successful campaign for the Stormers this season. Photo: Chris Ricco/BackpagePix
Furthermore, in the absence of workhorse Mostert and the injured Kwagga Smith, it will be up to Marx to do the “fetching” and slow down Jaguares ball.
Disrupt the home team’s momentum and rhythm today and the Lions could just register their first win in BA.