{
  "id": 1865513,
  "title": "Springboks braced for epic scrum battle against All Blacks in Greatest Rivalry opener",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/19/springboks-braced-for-epic-scrum-battle-against-all-blacks-in",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-19T04:19:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "IOL",
    "slug": "iol",
    "url": "https://iol.co.za/sport/rugby/springboks/2026-08-19-springboks-braced-for-epic-scrum-battle-against-all-blacks-in-greatest-rivalry-opener/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Springboks are preparing for a fierce scrum battle with the All Blacks in the first Test of Rugby's Greatest Rivalry on Saturday at Ellis Park. Veteran hooker Malcolm Marx, 32, says the Boks are focusing on the present and not relying on their dominance from last year. He acknowledges the All Blacks will come after them at scrum time, but they are working hard to prepare. Marx will likely start for the world champions and will face top players Codie Taylor and Samisoni Taukei'aho. The Boks believe they will provide a tough challenge, with Marx noting the explosive nature and proficiency of the All Blacks in various aspects of the game. The teams' lineups have not been announced, but Marx is ready to face the challenge, treating each Test match with the same intensity.",
  "summary": "As the Springboks brace for a scrum showdown against the All Blacks at Ellis Park, veteran hooker Malcolm Marx reveals their intense preparations for Rugby's Greatest Rivalry.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}