Malcolm Marx says the Springboks expect another bruising encounter against the All Blacks when the arch-rivals clash in Johannesburg next week.

“It is never easy against the All Blacks, it’s always a hard grind until the end,” said Marx, who delivered a man-of-the-match performance in his 50th Test as the Boks hammered the All Blacks to begin the Rugby Championship with a 26-10 win on Saturday.

The world champions outplayed the tactically directionless visitors at Mbombela Stadium, their mauling of the Kiwis only the first salvo of a two-Test battle that resumes at Ellis Park next Saturday.

Marx added: “We will never take anything for granted, so we will work equally hard next week and do as much as we can so that we are up for the challenge.

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“It is always tough against them. The All Blacks side is always up there, and they’ve been great. The previous five games we played against one another was decided by about two points, so we need to be ready for another big game next weekend.”

“Winning it in my 50th Test was special, but it was because of the guys and squad around me. I tried to do my job to the best of my ability and the guys around me did more than that,” he added.

The victory and match was equally memorable for scrumhalf Jaden Hendrikse, who replaced Faf de Klerk in the first minute after the veteran halfback was stretchered off.

“It was a privilege to play against the All Blacks,” said Hendrikse. “As a kid one dreams of playing against them… When I took the field, I knew I just had to stick to what works for me, and give all my effort to do my job.”

On facing experienced All Blacks rival Aaron Smith, the 22-year-old added: “I’ve always been watching him play, and as a youngster it was an honour to play against him.”

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