The Springboks are sweating over the fitness of the hooker, Malcolm Marx, ahead of their important Pool B clash against Ireland at the Rugby World Cup.

Marx sustained an injury during training yesterday, however, he was not considered for this week’s match against Romania in Bordeaux.

While the towering lock Eben Etzebeth is on track to be fit for the game against the Irish, the coach, Jacques Nienaber indicated that he will not be risked if he is not 100% fit.

On Marx, Nienaber, declined to comment on the extent of the player's injury.

“Malcolm went for assessments, so we'll probably know the extent of the injury later,” said Nienaber, who as a qualified physiotherapist understands patient confidentiality.

“Malcolm wasn't selected for this game, so that doesn't change anything in terms of the selection of this specific game.

“That’s where I think the POPIA Act will come in. I'm not 100 percent sure, so that’s why I don't think we are actually allowed to give out medical information about a player.

“It'll be better to talk to him, or if he gives the doctor, who is probably the person who knows more than I do, permission to give out that information.”

The former Cheetahs hooker, Joseph Dweba, is on standby as cover at hooker for the Springboks and he could be flown over to France if the need arises.

Nienaber also indicated that the blindside flanker, Marco van Staden, has been groomed to cover at hooker.

“In the last month Marco has been marked on our play sheet as a backup hooker. Since our alignment camps we've been getting him to get used to lineout throws scrummaging.

“He had been participating in the lineout and scrum sessions. This is to give us cover at hooker, while there is also Deon Fourie who is in the mix.

Sunday’s game between the Springboks and Romania kicks off at 15:00.

Springboks - 15 Willie le Roux, 14 Grant Williams, 13 Canan Moodie, 12 André Estehuizen, 11 Makazole Mapimpi, 10 Damian Willemse, 9 Cobus Reinarch, 8 Duane Vermeuelen, 7 Kwagga Smith, 6 Marco van Standen, 5 Marvin Orie, 4 Jean Kleyn, 3 Vincent Koch, 2 Bongi Mbonambi (captain), 1 Ox Nche.

Replacements - 16 Deon Fourie, 17 Steven Kitshoff, 18 Tervor Nyakane, 19 RG Snyman, 20 Jasper Wiese, 21 Jaden Hendrikse, 22 Faf de Klerk, 23 Jesse Kriel.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport