Marcel is one of the greatest loose forwards in the game. But rugby is a huge game of chance...no man is exempt from injury...it's a tough game of huge risks and chance. Often the chance involves the unfortunate, usually those brave enough to go the extra mile and such bravery makes players vulnerable...it's just like war...usually the brave and strong (no man is exempt) of misfortune.
Marcel is one, a tough brave soldier that goes beyond normal human endurance (and sometimes sense because of his fearlessness and puts his body on the line) and yes injury has terminated many a potential)
Patrick Lambie is one similar, who imho had the natural potential, courage and skill) to become SA's greatest flyhalf. But life is like that, my daughter knows Pat and his wife very well and tells me a lot about this wonderful humble man, who loves people, his faith and his family)...he loved sport also other things but had a faith where he just accepts adversity in grace. At a private school in the Natal Midlands he was the most loved pupil of all.
What a character... we love you Pat and you left a mark on rugby in SA .
The greatest soldiers are sometimes those who pay the biggest price. Marcel never gives up and soldiers on, when he's fit enough he brings strength to the team...such men are worth their weight in gold, another man like this was Juba (Andre Joubert). They give their team momentum and spirit...rare guys.