Share

Lambie to strike low blows

Wellington - The fierce Fijians will go to ground if they are tackled the right way, and that is what Springbok fullback Patrick Lambie intends to do on Saturday.

Gallery: RWC WAGS

"Something I was told as a youngster is that everyone's ankles are similar sizes, so you'll find I'll be going for their ankles," said Lambie, the youngest player in the South African squad.

The 20-year-old was named in the Bok team on Wednesday as they go in search of their second victory at the Rugby World Cup in Wellington, New Zealand, after clinching a nail-biting 17-16 win over Wales last week.

Lambie made his Springbok debut on last season's year-end tour against Ireland, and has since played seven Test matches.

He was part of the SA side on the receiving end of a 40-7 Tri-Nations thrashing by the All Blacks in July, at the same Westpac Stadium where they will lock horns with Fiji.

Lambie said his first run at the cake-tin, where he started at flyhalf, had given him a better idea of what international rugby was all about.

"I think the opportunity to play here in the Tri-Nations against the All Blacks was a really big learning experience for me," he said.

Lambie was also included in the team which defeated New Zealand in Port Elizabeth last month, when he started at fullback but had to leave the match in the 22nd minute because of a shoulder injury.

The Sharks' pivot said he had fully recovered from the injury and could not wait to get back on the field.

"I'm really pleased with the progress that I have made with my shoulder and the medical staff are happy as well," Lambie said.

"I was actually given the all clear last week, so I've been raring to go for a couple of weeks now and I'm really glad that I'm in the team this weekend."

While he had not been hampered by sleepless nights, Lambie, when prompted at a media conference, agreed he felt the similar unbridled excitement, on the eve of his World Cup debut, which children experienced the night before Christmas.

"It does feel a little bit like that," he said.

"It is a dream come true to be here, firstly, and secondly to get the opportunity to play is something very special."

* Click HERE for the latest RWC odds on BET.CO.ZA

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
26% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1470 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2249 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE