‘Lambie needs game time’

Five former Springboks tell us who they think should play flyhalf if Handré Pollard is ruled out of the Test against Argentina at Kings Park on Saturday.

Braam van Straaten (former Bok flyhalf)

'I'd like to see Pat Lambie get a chance down in Durban in front of his home crowd. Morné Steyn has nothing to prove at this level. Heyneke Meyer knows what Steyn brings to the table. Lambie hasn't had sufficient game time and a Test against Argentina might be just what he needs to remind us what he can offer to the Boks' match 23 at the World Cup.'

Pieter Hendriks (former Bok wing)

'This is the perfect opportunity to start Elton Jantjies at flyhalf. He's kicking excellently at the moment, loves taking the ball to the line and knows when to inject pace into the game. Elton has improved immensely since his time in Japan and based on Super Rugby form, he was the best flyhalf in the country this year. He deserves a spot in the starting team.'

Werner Greeff (former Bok fullback)

'Lambie should be next in line for the No 10 jersey. He keeps the backline going and has the ability to attack the gainline like Pollard. If he can get through an hour's work at Kings Park with his home crowd cheering him on, it'll do his confidence a world of good before the World Cup. As one of a few utility backs, we need Lambie to be in top form over the next few weeks.'

Garry Pagel (former Bok prop)

'The coach has continuously picked Lambie on the bench, so it will only be right that he [Lambie] starts when Pollard is absent from the team. Lambie can also begin at No 10, but shift to fullback later in the match, should he be required in that position. If he covers two positions, that opens up a spot on the bench for another fringe player to be included in the match 23.'

Werner Swanepoel (former Bok scrumhalf)

'We haven't seen Morné Steyn in action for a while. It will be nice if he can get a rare start and it will be interesting to see if he's able to carry the form he showed in the Top 14 play-offs over to the Test arena. Morné will be a good choice at flyhalf.'

Concussion concern over Pollard

Photo: Gavin Barker/BackpagePix

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