World Cup Positional Depth - Hooker

I think we’ll take 3.

Definitely on the plane: Marx

Need I say more? He’s arguably the best in the world, and in a squad bereft of any proper jackal he’s one of the best. Needs to work on his lineout throwing though.

The strong contenders: Bongi, Akker

Bongi put up a fine display against England, and showed he’s an able deputy, not as flashy as Marx but he’s very solid. Akker is a gun who is everywhere, just a very good player.

The outside chance: Bismarck, Schalk Brits

If Rassie decides experience is the way to go then we’ll see one of these on the plane, obviously Bismarck is preferred as he’s actually still playing professional rugby.

I like Bongi. He had a bad game against New Zealand, but makes fewer mistakes than Marx overall. I haven't seen anything of anyone else this year. I can't imagine we'll see Bissie ever again. Brits was obviously going to fail. He couldn't play test rugby in his prime, definitely not now. Rassie doesn't have his finger on the pulse with some selections. I'd have gone Bissie long before Brits. 

Why mention Brits and Bismarck.   Brits is not going to play in any further tests and Bismarck is past tense.   That argument is for the birds as per normal from a guy rating Mbonambi higher than Marx   Happy looney day to you.  

I didn't rate Bongi higher than Marx Herr Petze. I said he makes fewer mistakes. Which is true, and his lineout throws are much better. Who could forget Marx gifting Australia a crucial, ultimately game winning try right under our posts with another overthrow. I have yet to see Bongi make any mistake like that. However, Marx is exceptional around the field. He is a very strong carrier, has good hands, good awareness and is a constant pilfer threat. Defends well too. I have rated him as the best hooker in first tier rugby at least. So, once again, you add a notch to your nose. 

He is still useful, very much so. However, he doesn't look irrepressible as before. I think fatigue is setting in. 

Almost as much as Jaco b elieved it really was a drop kick!