Lambie on bench for Sharks in Kings clash
SPRINGBOK Patrick Lambie will start off the bench for the Sharks when they face the EP Kings in a Currie Cup Premier Division match in Durban tomorrow.
The return of Lambie will be a big boost for the Sharks, as they bid to get back on the winning track after defeats against Western Province and the Cheetahs.
Lambie has been sidelined with concussion after taking a serious blow while playing for the Boks against Ireland, in June.
Sharks coach Robert du Preez said: “Both our remaining fixtures are important and we will not be taking Eastern Province lightly.
“They showed what they were capable off against the Bulls and we cannot afford to be complacent.
“There is a lot to still play for and our preparation has gone well. We need to execute our opportunities and stick to our structures,” he said.
EP Kings skipper Ricky Schroeder said his team were not overly concerned about Lambie returning.
“We do not focus on one player. We look at all the players in the opposition,” Schroeder said.
Kings coach Barend Pieterse feels the pressure on the Sharks to get a win could work in his team’s favour.
“I am sure the Sharks will have had an intense week of training and there will have been a lot of focus for them on getting the win,” Pieterse said.
“That can sometimes be a dangerous thing, when you are just focusing on the win. And let’s be honest, they do need the win, so hopefully that can work to our advantage.”
While the EP Kings have only a single point to show after five games, the Sharks are second on the log table with 20 points from six outings.
“The Sharks will be ready for us and fortunately for us, they have a few injuries. So, we are going there to try and pull off an upset win and also give some of the new guys a chance,” Pieterse said.
Because of their late entry into the Premier Division, the EP Kings were forced to play three games in eight days against Western Province, Griquas and the Sharks.
Last week, the EP Kings enjoyed a bye week and Pieterse said it had been a good chance for his team to recharge their batteries.
“The players have had a nice break. The attitude has been good in training, and the team are up for the game and looking forward to it.
“At the end of this season, if we find one or two gems it is going to be a positive,” he said.
“I spoke to Southern Kings head coach Deon Davids the other day and he is following our Currie Cup rugby – and he has had some good things to say about the EP Kings players.”
The Sharks team:
Curwin Bosch, Rhyno Smith, Lukhanyo Am, Andre Esterhuizen, Wandile Mjekevu, Inny Radebe, Michael Claassens, Francois Kleinhans, Jean-Luc du Preez, Khaya Majola, Ruan Botha, Etienne Oosthuizen, John-Hubert Meyer, Chiliboy Ralepelle (capt) and Thomas du Toit. Replacements: Franco Marais, Juan Schoeman, Jean Droste, Jean Deysel, Stefan Ungerer, Patrick Lambie and Neil Maritz.