Lambie's Chance To Stake His Claim
Jun 14,2012
The saying "one man’s loss is another man’s gain" rings true for Springbok rugby fullback Patrick Lambie, as he received a starting berth for Saturday’s Test against England in the place of Zane Kirchner.
Springbok mentor Heyneke Meyer said it was up to Lambie to take ownership of the No 15 jersey.
"I am really looking forward to see him play; it was an easy decision. He's played there, he's been the guy who's been in form," said Meyer on Wednesday.
"I am always sorry for the guys who are injured, but it is up to Patrick now to show he wants to stay there."
Meyer caused somewhat of an outcry when he selected Kirchner ahead of Lambie for the first Test in Durban.
Lambie replaced Kirchner late in the first half of the match and has impressed the Bok coach, earning a place in the starting line-up.
"Patrick is a great player, he is still a youngster. People sometimes don't realise he is still only 22-years-old."
Meyer explained he opted for Kirchner in the first Test because of combinations, but was impressed with the attacking edge Lambie provided.
"I thought he was superb in the second half when he came on. He brings different attacking options to the party and I was very impressed in training this week, where he showed some brilliant touches on the ball," said Meyer.
"I think he will bring something different to the backline."
Lambie said his task in the first Test was to make an impact off the bench and hoped to do the same throughout the 80 minutes on Saturday.
"I'm very excited about it; obviously, it is always a huge honour to represent your country," Lambie said.
"I'm excited about the challenge and I'm really looking forward to it."
With the youngster covering the last line of defence, he said he was up for the challenge, even if the English opted for an aerial attack.
"I will be ready for it if it comes. We have a feeling that England will be looking to run a little bit more, but whatever they throw at us I think we will be prepared."
Even though Lambie is one of the smaller players in the side, Meyer said he rated him as a strong defender.
The versatile player, who has represented the country at flyhalf, inside centre and fullback, said he was still not sure which position he preferred.
"I really enjoyed playing at flyhalf for the Sharks this year, but it is great to be back at fullback. I love the space and being able to read the game from the back, so I'm looking forward to some more time in the number 15 jersey."
SAPA
Comments (13)
Jun 14, 2012 at 21:47:26
Brussow and Mvovo then we good to go go!
Jun 16, 2012 at 14:42:29
i can name10 more players who deserve to play 4 bokke
Jun 15, 2012 at 08:53:53
So this is what bok rugby has come to,only picking players for 1 aspect of the game,basson can really only play 1 position limited skills mvovo on the other hand is a 13 playing wing has a good skill set in his arsenal great hands and im sure given the opportunity oh wait he has and he proved better than habana basson and jp but still we dont play him dissapointed in HM
Jun 15, 2012 at 08:54:14
So this is what bok rugby has come to,only picking players for 1 aspect of the game,basson can really only play 1 position limited skills mvovo on the other hand is a 13 playing wing has a good skill set in his arsenal great hands and im sure given the opportunity oh wait he has and he proved better than habana basson and jp but still we dont play him dissapointed in HM
Jun 15, 2012 at 11:50:53
Like i said Mvovo voom and Brussow way to Go! Burger master! Steps to success!
Jun 15, 2012 at 13:03:03
Lambie at 15 is great news, a natural fullback in the mould of Andre Joubert.
Gentlemen, if you have ever played fullback at senior level like I did, then you would know that it is the most crucial position to read a game from....cover the kicks, take the highball, punt it back with interest, know when to join the backline, I can go on about the talent required...but you guys know what I mean. Lambie is that man for that job and I don't think many can dispute that.
End of!!
Jun 15, 2012 at 22:50:03
So true i was just thinking that about Aplon so we are lucky to have two talents in the back man!
Jun 15, 2012 at 13:54:46
Hes a fullback not flyhalf as some people are saying.
Jun 16, 2012 at 14:40:36
i ve heard the want to put him up front so he can make the tackels early since michalek sucks at that
Jun 14, 2012 at 12:23:34
a very attack minded player so lets hope he gets used in that role. future looks bright for boks backline. very young talent coming through the system so lets hope HM uses them in positive role.
just need brussow to secure the ruck ball and try to whip of the speed of the game then the big slow english players wont be able to keep up. high speed high intensity rugby will make the day very very long for the poms really happy for lambie. i would just have liked mvovo on the bench at least. basson is very very overrated in my view. cant understand how mvovo got overlooked.
Jun 14, 2012 at 12:37:22
Agreed, would also have put Mvovo on the bench as first choice wing replacement, he has had a cracking Super rugby season and certainly deserves it.
Great opportunity for Lambie, and he is such an exciting player to watch, nice to see that he is comfortable to play at eithe flyhalf or fullback, which I dont think is a major problem.
Jun 14, 2012 at 21:46:32
Agree he deserves a chance huge guy with pace and finnish! Why not? Mvovo vo vo voom!
Jun 14, 2012 at 23:07:38
Because no-one is better than Basson at catching the high ball when chasing...