Boks might be boosted by returnees.

Courtesy Spuersport: by Brenden Nel 18 September 2012, 15:30

Is Springbok utility back Pat Lambie being groomed for a surprise appearance in the starting line-up at Loftus Versfeld against Australia?

The Bok management released five players to play Currie Cup, but froze all 22 of the players that did duty against New Zealand in Dunedin last weekend.

While the likes of Craig Burden (The Sharks), Frans Malherbe (DHL Western Province), Jacques Potgieter (Vodacom Blue Bulls), Jano Vermaak (Vodacom Blue Bulls) and Lwazi Mvovo (The Sharks) have all been released to their provinces to play in this weekend’s domestic matches, there still lingers a question mark over the fortune of Lambie.

The Bok utility back has had precious little time to play and it would have been a consideration to release him to play for the Sharks this weekend to make sure he is sharp.

But with the Bok management being consistent in their outlook, and not releasing anyone in the match 22, Lambie will enjoy another week’s rest before the team re-assembles on Sunday in Johannesburg to prepare for the Loftus test.

There is a hope of a bigger role in the team’s fortunes, especially after the failings of Morne Steyn at flyhalf.

While Springbok coach Heyneke Meyer is not one to attack players in public, he is known to be disappointed in Steyn’s performance and has spoken about having to consider some “hard choices” ahead of the Loftus test, with Johan Goosen’s elevation to the flyhalf spot the favourite among both fans and media alike.

The Bok management are contemplating changes to the starting line-up and it is likely that some of the players on the bench are being spared action this weekend to ensure they pick up no injuries ahead of next weekend.

A clearer picture will emerge after this weekend’s Currie Cup games when the team is announced by Saru, with some injured players likely to be ready for action once again.

The Bok selectors will have to decide whether to recall Coenie Oosthuizen, who is expected to return to action this weekend for the Toyota Cheetahs, while Heinrich Brussow’s form warrants a relook at his situation as well.

Flyhalf Elton Jantjies continues to perform well at Currie Cup level, and there is an outside chance a big strong runner like Jaco Taute may also receive a call-up.

Winger Bjorn Basson is also fit again and will be looking to regain his spot in the national team, as is Sharks winger JP Pietersen. Banned lock Eben Etzebeth will have served his suspension and is also available for selection.

However, with players like Bismarck du Plessis, Siya Kolisi, Chiliboy Ralepelle, Schalk Burger and Pierre Spies all injured and others like Gurthro Steenkamp and Ryan Kankowski unavailable, there is not much room to move for the Bok management.

Fingers crossed and legs open eh Biltong?

disneychilly wrote:Fingers crossed and legs open eh Biltong?

Who Morne to keep his spot?

I still think JDV is the wrong choice as captain. A he's a nod to the past and SA needs to move on and B a skip should be 100% sure of his place in the team. I don't believe that is the case and that will only get more contentious.

I can imagine going to Soweto, Goosen or Lambie starting and nailing 6 penalties and 1 conversion for a narrow Bok win. And Meyer going OOOOOHHHHHH (not in reference to the previous quote regarding legs).

What do you mean narrow win?

If Gooden plays we'll score tries AS WELL.

Hey I'm not letting you give us a hiding!

Was thinking Boks by 5 in a high scoring game and Goosen missing a con or two

I was thinking Boks by 11, just to be one point up.

It'll be more than that if our forwards don't pull their finger out. Not going to watch a full replay of Saturday but you guys should have some definite confidence to smash that winning streak of ours. Which is annoying as it's probably the last thing Richie has to win in 15s.