Waratahs prop Sekope Kepu says hooker Tolu Latu can nullify the Lions’ Malcolm Marx during their Super Rugby semi-final in Johannesburg on Saturday.
Latu, who replaced regular Damien Fitzpatrick in the starting XV, has endured an inconsistent season and struggled for a spot in coach Daryl Gibson’s lineup. However, a return to form in May earned him a surprise Wallabies call-up for their Test series against Ireland in June.
Kepu told Reuters that he is confident Latu can hold his own against Marx.
‘I think he’s going to bring a lot of power in the middle of that scrum there,’ Kepu said. ‘They’ve got Malcolm Marx, he’s a great scrummager and he’s been playing really good rugby.
‘Someone like Tolu can match him in that area and around the park he’s been great for us coming on in the second half of our games.
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‘In the last few weeks, he’s shown himself putting his mind to the work that’s needed, all the extras and everything that guys do off the field and away from the training paddock.
‘That’s what he’s worked on really hard and he’s starting to show it on the field.’
Photo: Jenny Evans/Getty Images
