Malcolm Marx and Kurt-Lee Arendse are set to start for the Springboks in the Rugby Championship opener against the All Blacks in Nelspruit on Saturday.

According to Sunday newspaper Rapport, Marx will rotate with Bongi Mbonambi as the starting hooker for the first of two home Tests against New Zealand.

Marx will make his 50th Test appearance on Saturday and the Springbok coaches are happy to let him celebrate the milestone by starting at the Mbombela Stadium in place of Mbonambi, who celebrated his 50th in the third Test against Wales in Cape Town.

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Marx’s inclusion will be the only change to the pack that claimed a series victory over Wales, as veteran Duane Vermeulen is not yet ready for Test action, allowing Jasper Wiese to retain the No 8 jersey.

Another big call will, however, see Kurt-Lee Arendse given the nod to start on the right wing in place of the injured Cheslin Kolbe.

Arendse produced a solid performance in his Test debut against Wales in Bloemfontein and according to Rapport, this has convinced the Bok coaches to start him against the All Blacks.

The 26-year-old will form the back three with Damian Willemse and Makazole Mapimpi, while Willie le Roux is set to remain on the bench, despite Frans Steyn’s return to training.

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