Can Lambie take the gap?
Springbok coach Heyneke Meyer wants Pat Lambie to make the most of his opportunity this weekend and make the fullback jersey his own.
The Sharks utility back has played at flyhalf for most of the Super Rugby season, but he played in the No.15 jersey for the Boks at the World Cup last year and Meyer has every confidence in his abilities at the back.
He commented: "I am really looking forward to see him play; it was an easy decision. He's played there, he's been the guy who's been in form."
The inclusion of Lambie at the expense of Zane Kirchner, who was replaced at half-time due to a knee injury last week, is the only change to the Springboks' starting XV for the second Test in Johannesburg on Saturday.
Lambie showed some good touches on attack as the Boks turned up the heat in the second half in Durban and Meyer said that this weekend represents an opportunity for him to nail down a starting spot.
"I am always sorry for the guys who are injured, but it is up to Patrick now to show he wants to stay there.
"Patrick is a great player, he is still a youngster. People sometimes don't realise he is still only 22-years-old," the Bok coach pointed out.
Meyer explained he opted for Kirchner in the first Test because of his experience playing alongside the Bulls halfback combination, but was impressed with the attacking edge Lambie provided.
"I thought he was superb in the second half when he came on. He brings different attacking options to the party and I was very impressed in training this week, where he showed some brilliant touches on the ball," said Meyer.
"I think he will bring something different to the backline."
Lambie said his task in the first Test was to make an impact off the bench and hoped to do the same throughout the 80 minutes on Saturday.
"I'm very excited about it; obviously, it is always a huge honour to represent your country," Lambie said.
"I'm excited about the challenge and I'm really looking forward to it."
With the youngster covering the last line of defence, he said he was up for the challenge, even if the English opted for an aerial attack.
"I will be ready for it if it comes. We have a feeling that England will be looking to run a little bit more, but whatever they throw at us I think we will be prepared," he said.
Even though Lambie is one of the smaller players in the side, Meyer said he rated him a strong defender.
The versatile player said he was still not sure which position he preferred.
"I really enjoyed playing at flyhalf for the Sharks this year, but it is great to be back at fullback. I love the space and being able to read the game from the back, so I'm looking forward to some more time in the number 15 jersey," he said.
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