Lambie to conquer Cardiff 'hothouse'
Patrick Lambie has a golden opportunity to steal a march on his main rivals in the race for the Springbok No.10 jersey at the World Cup.
Lambie's selection at flyhalf, ahead of prodigiously talented Handré Pollard, for the final Test of the year-end tour against Wales in Cardiff on Saturday, has caused considerable debate.
Coach Heyneke Meyer has stopped short of installing Lambie as favourite for the No.10 spot at next year's global showpiece, but he made it clear Lambie's greater experience and poise in the wet and damp conditions in Europe is what earned him the nod ahead of Pollard this week.
Originally Lambie and Pollard would have played two Tests each on the tour.
Pollard started in the loss to Ireland, played in testing conditions in a wet Dublin.
Lambie started against England, where his composure played a big role in the Boks' win at a slightly less wet Twickenham – a crucial drop-goal and sublime chip-kick the key plays in a three-point triumph.
The 24-year-old Lambie also featured in the starting XV in last week's win over Italy, prompting the expectation that 20-year-old Pollard will get the No.10 jersey against Wales for his second start of the tour.
However, Meyer explained that the conditions in Cardiff and Lambie's experience were the factors that weighed most heavily in the decision.
The Bok coach admitted he considered bringing Pollard back.
"Patrick Lambie was the form player on the year-end tour last year, but unfortunately was injured and didn't play much in the June internationals," Meyer told a media scrum at the team's training base in Cardiff.
"Handré Pollard is a brilliant youngster, especially on a dry field – we know what he can do on attack.
"I just felt I needed to keep some continuity, as it has been difficult to keep some continuity on this tour. In fact the whole year it has been difficult to keep continuity – only three players played in all 12 our games this year. It has also been a tough year with injuries.
"Playing in the wet conditions, against a good Welsh side we would need some experience.
"Cobus Reinach is also young, while Patrick Lambie is playing some great rugby, and Pollard is dangerous when he comes off the bench."
Meyer was adamant he hasn't lost faith in Pollard.
"I have always had a plan with him and he will get a start next year again."
Meyer said he was unsure if the Millennium Stadium roof would be closed, as it normally is, but felt that even with a closed roof the conditions will be testing – "like a hothouse effect" with dampness and humidity.
"That is why we need the additional experience of Patrick Lambie."
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