Malcolm Marx has been described by former Scotland international Jim Hamilton as the greatest hooker to ever play the game.

Speaking on The Rugby Pod, the ex-Scotland second-row was full of praise for the Springbok forward, making a bold claim about his standing among the game's all-time greats.

"Malcolm Marx is the best hooker who's ever played", Hamilton stated.

The popular podcaster was joined by fellow former internationals Andy Goode and Dan Biggar, neither of whom offered an opinion that differed from Hamilton's assessment of Marx.

"He has got a bigger head, and he's bigger," Hamilton added.

"I remember seeing him in (the Springbok jersey) and how big he was.

"He is like a concrete block."

Marx has been named in the Springbok side to face France in Paris on Friday evening, and is nearing 100 Test appearances for the nation.

Hamilton believes Marx gets the nod over Ireland's Dan Sheehan, despite the Irish captain scoring once in his side's comfortable 42-12 victory over Argentina last Friday in Dublin.

Marx and Sheehan could face each other next week in Round 6 of the Nations Championship, when South Africa takes on Ireland at Allianz Stadium before finals weekend.

"As players in the open field, they’re a little bit different," he continued.

"Malcolm Marx is heavy over the ball, he’s bigger, though not by much.

“Dan is world-class, and he’s on the bench of [my world team].