Rassie Erasmus and Johan Ackermann both value Marco van Staden’s versatility in a match 23.
The 30-year-old Bulls loose forward has increasingly filled in as a backup hooker for the Springboks – a role that could grow.
According to Rapport, Van Staden has been training regularly at hooker during Springbok training camps.
Speaking at the Boks’ first alignment camp of 2026 in Cape Town, Erasmus said: “He trains weekly with [Bok scrum coach] Daan Human at hooker and also practises his throw-ins.
“A hooker doesn’t even have to throw in – anyone can throw in, even the winger. A hooker really just has to be able to scrum. That’s the big thing.”
ALSO: Marvellous Marx crowned SA’s best
But the Bok coach believes Van Staden’s work ethic and physicality make him well suited to the role.
“Marco’s general game and energy levels are something people don’t always notice,” he said.
Van Staden, who has earned 33 Test caps, featured in nine of South Africa’s 14 Tests last season. He started six matches on the flank, played once at No 8 and provided bench cover as both loose forward and hooker.
Erasmus first used him as emergency hooker cover during the 2023 World Cup after replacing the injured Malcolm Marx in the squad with flyhalf Handré Pollard.
His dual-role ability is also appreciated by Ackermann.
“With Akker van der Merwe injured, it’s great to have Marco as a third hooker alongside Jan-Hendrik Wessels and Johan Grobbelaar,” said the Bulls coach.
“We definitely see him as good enough to play hooker, but the big advantage is that you can bench him and send him on as a flanker if your starting hooker is playing well, or he can go on as a hooker if the need arises.”
Photo: Steve Haag/Gallo Images
The post Boks, Bulls back Marco at hooker appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
