Lambie has to hit ground running

 

Having been sidelined with a neck injury since early April, Lambie is still working his way back to fitness and is hopeful of being available for the Springboks' clash with a World XV next month.

 

"The injury is coming right, unfortunately the nature of it is not one that you can rush so I am making sure that I tick all the right boxes and do all my rehab. I have a check-up in a few weeks time and hopefully I get the all-clear then.

 

"Injuries are part of the game unfortunately, I don't think there is ever a good time for an injury. I am trying to get as much benefit from this time off as possible, it is a time for me to get rid of all the other little niggles and aches and pains and do a lot of conditioning and get strong and fit.

 

"Hopefully I will get some game-time sometime soon so that I can get back on the horse and play well.

 

"The next match is in July against the World XV for the Springboks or else I will have to wait for some Currie Cup.

 

"I am really hoping to be available, but I see a specialist in a few weeks time and then will take it from there and ease my way back into contact after getting the all-clear," he explained.

 

The Springboks only have five matches before the World Cup, which does not give Lambie much time to find form ahead of the global showpiece in England.

 

Lambie is likely to be fighting for a starting spot with Handre Pollard, having taken the No.10 jersey off the Bulls youngster on the year-end tour of Europe last year.

 

Although he has far more experience in European conditions than Pollard, he does not feel that this gives him a significant edge over his rival.

 

"I guess it might be an advantage having played in it before, but a World Cup is a very different and I guess strange tournament in a way.

 

"Having played in those conditions before might help a bit but I don't think it is going to make a huge difference.

 

"In big occasions like that you want to be able to draw on positive experiences and positive memories and I guess England at Twickenham last year was one of those for the whole side so hopefully we can draw on those sorts of experiences and come out on top," he said.

 

One thing that Lambie has been able to do while he has been injured is follow the fortunes of his school Michaelhouse who are yet to lose this season.

 

"It is wonderful to see, fantastic. I see they have got six players in the Craven Week side as well so I am very chuffed to see them performing nicely and playing good rugby.

 

"I watched them play against DHS and it looks like they are playing some really nice running rugby which is encouraging to see," he added.