‘Discipline on tour non-negotiable’
THERE is talk in the UK press that the Sharks halfback pair of Patrick Lambie and Cobus Reinach are being targeted as a combination by the Northampton Saints, on a big bucks deal, but before the Sharks flew to Australia on Saturday, captain Lambie was speaking only of leading his team to two wins in Brisbane and Canberra over the next fortnight.
Flanker Jean Deysel, left behind from the tour squad, is reported to be entertaining an offer from Munster, the Dublin team coached by Rassie Erasmus, but again this is unsubstantiated speculation.
At the Sharks’ tour squad announcement late last week, Lambie was sharply focused on the Reds (Friday) and the Brumbies the following week.
“It is going to be a very tough game against a Reds team that has done a lot of recruiting in the off season and will be very keen to start the season with a home win,” Lambie said.
The Queenslanders have bulked up their pack with some major signings in Stephen Moore (the Wallabies captain, from the Brumbies), Scott Higganbotham (from Japan and formerly of Queensland and the Rebels), and former Wallabies openside flank George Smith (who has played just about everywhere).
“They will be determined to start their season at home with a win and we anticipate a lot of needle in the game, and we have spoken about discipline as a group, “Lambie said.
“We were not good in this department in the warm-up game against the Cheetahs, and we have stipulated from the coaching staff down that we won’t stand for players who can’t keep their cool. Discipline is non-negotiable if you want to be serious about this competition.
“The Reds will be raring to go, and they will test our discipline, but we must play hard but fair in conditions that will be as as steamy as Durban,” the captain added.
The Sharks start with three games against Australian opposition, two away and then they host the Waratahs in Durban in round three. They play no New Zealand teams this year after tackling all five last year.
“It will be interesting to see how this side of the draw works,” Lambie said. “It is rumoured that this is the easier side of the draw, but I don’t believe that there are any easy sides. We are excited about the draw, which has less overseas travel, we have to make sure we respect each and every side.”
On tour with the Sharks is new French recruit Clement Poitrenaud, a 34-year-old, 39Test veteran, and Lambie said that he was a popular and influential addition to the squad.
The Sharks over the years have had a healthy tradition of bringing in French flair, with Thierry Lecroix and Olivier Roumat in the 90s, followed by Frederic Michalak in more recent seasons, and it was the latter that advised his good friend to have a sabbatical in Durban.
“Coming from the French winter, Clement found the pre-season heat very tough but he has fitted in really well and is popular among the players. His English is really good,” Lambie added.
“He emerged with flying colours, and has endeared himself to the squad. He is a very skilful player and we have learned a lot from him,” Lambie said.