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Marx MRI scan shows no major shoulder damage

Cape Town - After news that captain Eben Etzebeth has a very good chance of recovering from a leg injury sustained over the weekend, the Springboks received further good news regarding hooker, Malcolm Marx. 

READ: Rassie reports for SA Rugby duty

Marx went for an MRI scan on Monday and results showed no major damage to the shoulder injury he sustained in Paris in the Springboks' 18-17 win over France.

However, there was some soft tissue bruising and he will be given as much time as possible to recover.

There was more good news with the return of Pieter-Steph du Toit to training after sitting out due to concussion. 

Head coach Allister Coetzee was especially pleased to have Du Toit back: “It’s great to have Pieter-Steph back because he was excellent for us prior to the concussion.

Coetzee confirmed that the Springboks will play their strongest possible team for the match against Italy. 

“The whole idea for us this week is to play with our strongest possible team so that we can build more momentum and continuity.

“There will be opportunities for the wider group in the last match because that one falls outside the international window, which means that for the Wales Tests players based overseas, such as Duane Vermeulen (France), Francois Louw (England), Elton Jantjies and Franco Mostert (both Japan), will not be available for selection. That would obviously give opportunities for other players,” said Coetzee.

On Monday morning, the Springboks got their match preparation underway with a gym workout, with a field training session scheduled for later in the day in Padova. Coetzee will announce his match day squad on Thursday.

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