Springboks: Malcolm Marx starts on 50th Test in Rugby Championship opener against the All Blacks

Malcolm Marx has been named to start at hooker for his 50th Test for the Springboks when they face the All Blacks in Nelspruit on Saturday.

Coach Jacques Nienaber has made two other changes to the starting lineup that played Wales last month as scrum-half Faf de Klerk regains his spot with promising star Jaden Hendrickse dropping to the bench.

Meanwhile, on the right wing, Kurt-Lee Adrense gets his second cap as he replaces the injured Cheslin Kolbe, who is sidelined with a broken jaw.

Regular starter Bongi Mbonambi drops to the bench, making way for milestone man Marx whilst Salmaan Moerat is preferred to Elrich Louw amongst the replacements.

Nienaber touched on the changes made and said Marx deserved to start on his milestone day, whilst de Klerk’s experience was a factor in the decision at half-back.

“One of the changes to the starting team were injury-enforced with Kurt-Lee coming in for Cheslin, and with Malcolm, we feel it is a big occasion to play one’s 50th Test so it will be good for him to start, while we believe Faf’s experience and style of play will complement our game against the All Blacks,” he explained.

“These changes resulted in direct swaps to the bench for Bongi and Jaden, and with Salmaan covering lock we can either use Franco (Mostert) at lock or flanker, and we have Kwagga (Smith) who can also provide cover in the loose trio and even on the wing if needs be.

“We played two Tests with a similar team in the Castle Lager Incoming Series, and we feel this is the right squad for this specific challenge against New Zealand.

“The All Blacks are strong all around, and they will come to Nelspruit desperate to avenge their series defeat against Ireland and to prove that they remain one of the powerhouses in