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Lambie v O'Connor duel excites

Christo Buchner

Johannesburg – Two of the most exciting young rugby players in the world are set to oppose one another in Perth on Saturday when the Sharks and the Western Force meet in a Super Rugby match.

The Force’s decision to move James O’Connor to flyhalf paves the way for a duel between him and star Sharks No 10 Patrick Lambie.

Sharks assistant coach Grant Bashford noted that the O’Connor move is one that can benefit the Force.

“He is definitely a player with the X-factor and someone we will have to watch closely. Now that he is even closer to the action and will get more possession, he is bound to have a greater influence on the game,” said Bashford.

“Pat is someone we have a lot of faith in and he is growing as a player. It can be quite something if those two (O’Connor and Lambie) play against one another.

The Sharks arrived in Perth on Monday and intend taking things easy for the next day or two.

“It will be important that we look after our bodies on this tour. The matches will all be physically demanding and for this reason we won’t overdo things during the week,” said Sharks coach John Plumtree.
 
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