It’s been a long time coming, and although he won’t start this weekend, the fantastic news is that Pat Lambie will be making his long-awaited return to rugby, albeit off the bench, following a bad knock taken for the Springboks against Ireland in June.
All the concussion ‘return-to-play’ protocols have been met and having sensibly avoided rushing Lambie back into action, that day has finally arrived.
Despite his relative youth (25 years old), he will bring plenty of experience to Saturday’s Currie Cup clash against Eastern Province (3pm kick-off), particularly at the highest level, having accumulated an impressive total of 51 Test caps.
His calmness under pressure will be important, particularly so given the loss of the experienced Odwa Ndungane who is out for the remainder of the season. His place on the wing is taken by Rhyno Smith, while Wandile Mjekevu is in for S’bura Sithole.
Scrumhalf Michael Claassens replaces Stefan Ungerer to bring added experience to the starting line-up.
There are also a number of changes upfront, with Francois Kleinhans shifting to eighthman to replace Philip van der Walt who took a nasty smack against Free State and is unavailable this week. This opens the door for Khaya Majola who starts on the flank.
In a rejigged front row, Thomas du Toit shifts to loosehead prop with John-Hubert Meyer coming in at tighthead, and new hooker Chiliboy Ralepelle handed the captaincy.
The Cell C Sharks
15. Curwin Bosch
14. Rhyno Smith
13. Lukhanyo Am
12. Andre Esterhuizen
11. Wandile Mjekevu
10. Inny Radebe
9. Michael Claassens
8. Francois Kleinhans
7. Jean-Luc du Preez
6. Khaya Majola
5. Ruan Botha
4. Etienne Oosthuizen
3. John-Hubert Meyer
2. Chiliboy Ralepelle (Captain)
1. Thomas du Toit
Replacements
16. Franco Marais
17. Juan Schoeman
18. Jean Droste
19. Jean Deysel
20. Stefan Ungerer
21. Patrick Lambie
22. Neil Maritz
The post Pat is Back appeared first on Sharks Rugby.
Full article here: Sharks Rugby – sbuki1030
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