Coetzee excited by Lambie return
Springbok coach Allister Coetzee has lauded the return of Pat Lambie as the national team looks to break a three match losing streak.
Lambie returned to the Springbok fold on Sunday for an assessment, having only played 30 minutes of rugby for the Cell C Sharks a fortnight ago in his comeback from a three month injury layoff.
While Lambie may have told Coetzee he was ready to return to the Test match arena, the Bok coach came to that conclusion himself after seeing Lambie full of life in Monday’s training session.
The Bok coach said that he had been waiting for Lambie to indicate his readiness to play before bringing him back into the team, but he was clearly happy to have the 51 Test veteran back in the side.
“It’s great to have Pat back, he looked great in practice and he will be part of the plans going forward, he will be up for selection this weekend,” Coetzee said on Monday.
With Lambie back in the mix, Elton Jantjies may be cast aside this weekend. The Lions pivot had an excellent Super Rugby season with the Lions, but those performances haven’t carried over into the Test arena.
While the Lions had a license to run riot, the rigours of Test match rugby don’t allow for the same freedom. Unfortunately Jantjies’ game management and tactical kicking has been found wanting and Coetzee could be tempted to turn to Lambie this weekend.
The Sharks pivot has far more Test experience and has been a part of the Springbok setup far longer and may help the national side play with more direction. What he will lack is match fitness and sharpness.
Nevertheless Lambie was clearly happy to be back with the Springboks and hoped to contribute to resurgent performance after a troubling few weeks.
“I’m thrilled to be back, very excited to be included of the group again – I’ve missed being part of the Springboks,” Lambie said at a press briefing on Monday.
“It has been quite frustrating at times sitting on the side, especially for how long it ended up taking to feel better again. Thankfully I’ve been looked after really well off the field, all the doctors and management involved have taken really good care of me.
“We’ve been on top of things for the last few weeks and I’m really looking forward to contributing in any way I can.”
The Springboks released three players for Currie Cup duty this weekend. Damian de Allende, Lwazi Mvovo and Malcom Marx all return to their respective unions for the final round of the regular Currie Cup season.
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