Springboks’ Patrick Lambie excited about weekend encounter against All Blacks – Rugby news
South African Rugby Union’s (SARU) young and talented utility back, Patrick Lambie, has expressed his excitement on earning his first start for the Springboks during their Saturday, July 30, encounter against the All Blacks. Springboks head coach, Peter de Villiers, has named Lambie in his starting xv for their second 2011 Tri Nations’ clash against the All Blacks.
Lambie expressed his delight at being including in the squad in an interview on Thursday, July 28. He said, “This weekend I'm really excited to be getting my first start and it's at full-back so I'll be giving my best and doing whatever I can to help the team.”
Durban born Lambie was named in the starting xv after Springboks’ first choice full back Gio Aplan was ruled out of the Saturday’s game due to a back injury.
The 20-year-old Lambie has progressed his way up to the national side, following his exceptional performance for both the Springboks Under-20s national team and for South Africa’s Super Rugby franchise Sharks.
He made his international debut for Springboks against Ireland at Lansdowne Road, on November 6, 2010. He has made five appearances for the Springboks and started from the bench on all five occasions.
Saturday’s encounter will be his first appearance in the starting xv. Earlier this year, he played at both fly half and at full back position for both Sharks and Springboks. Lambie with his 190 points, was the third highest point scorer in the recently concluded 2011 Super Rugby championship. His 190 points consisted of four tries, 28 conversions, and 38 penalties.
In reply to the question regarding the role of the full back, Lambie termed himself “as much a full-back as I am a fly-half.”
Lambie further commented, “I first came onto the scene with the Sharks at full-back and had half a season in Super Rugby last year at full-back and a third of the way through the Currie Cup last year I moved to fly-half and I played the majority of this season of Super Rugby, at fly-half before moving back for a game or two, at full-back.”
Lambie has expressed his hope that he can deliver a strong performance against the All Blacks to secure his spot, in Springboks 2011 Rugby World Cup, final 30-man squad.
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