Share

Lambie: I'm not just a runner

Cape Town - Springbok flyhalf Patrick Lambie says fans shouldn't worry that he won't be able to pass the tactical test against Ireland in Dublin on Saturday.

Lambie is renowned for his running prowess but the Sharks pivot feels he's more than capable as a tactical kicker as well.

"I think there are people who have a false perception that I only want to run with the ball. The fact is I always try and look for space. If it's behind my opponents, then I'll kick the ball," he told the Beeld website.

The 22-year-old will start only his second Test in the flyhalf position on Saturday after impressing Bok coach Heyneke Meyer in the last few rounds of the Currie Cup.

"At the Boks there is a focus on kicking and I've learnt a lot about the tactical aspects of the game this year - when to run with the ball and when to kick.

"I think I've grown as a player and will keep on trying to improve in that facet. You're never fully complete as a player," he said.

Lambie's replacement, Morné Steyn, has been picked on the bench and will be utilised by Meyer should the young Sharks pivot struggle in what is expected to be a tactical battle between the two sides.

The clash at the Aviva Stadium kicks off at 19:30 on Saturday.

Teams:

Ireland:

15 Simon Zebo, 14 Tommy Bowe, 13 Keith Earls, 12 Gordon D'Arcy, 11 Andrew Trimble, 10 Jonathan Sexton, 9 Conor Murray, 8 Jamie Heaslip (captain), 7 Chris Henry, 6 Peter O'Mahony, 5 Mike McCarthy, 4 Donnacha Ryan, 3 Mike Ross, 2 Richardt Strauss, 1 Cian Healy

Substitutes: 16 - Sean Cronin, 17 David Kilcoyne, 18 Michael Bent, 19 Donncha O'Callaghan, 20 Iain Henderson, 21 Eoin Reddan, 22 Ronan O'Gara, 23 Fergus McFadden

South Africa:

15 Zane Kirchner, 14 JP Pietersen, 13 Jaco Taute, 12 Jean de Villiers (captain), 11 Francois Hougaard, 10 Pat Lambie, 9 Ruan Pienaar, 8 Duane Vermeulen, 7 Willem Alberts, 6 Francois Louw, 5 Juandré Kruger, 4 Eben Etzebeth, 3 Jannie du Plessis, 2 Adriaan Strauss 1 Tendai Mtawarira.

Substitutes: 16 Schalk Brits, 17 CJ van der Linde, 18 Pat Cilliers, 19 Flip van der Merwe, 20 Marcell Coetzee, 21 Morné Steyn, 22 Juan de Jongh, 23 Lwazi Mvovo

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% - 1224 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
30% - 1420 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2155 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