Benhard better than Inny?
Debutant Janse van Rensburg, 20, was picked for the No.10 role ahead of Inny-Christian Radebe and Garth April (on the bench) for the match against the Southern Kings after veteran Lambie was ruled out of action for six to eight weeks with a fractured vertebra.
Radebe was a key part of the Sharks' Currie Cup squad last year, while April was a member of Allister Coetzee's Springbok squad. April also represented South Africa 'A' in 2016.
Du Preez also had the option of picking Curwin Bosch at flyhalf after the latter's display against the Waratahs. However, Bosch is preferred at the back at fullback for now.
"There is very little to choose between him [Janse van Rensburg] and Inny [Radebe] at this stage," Du Preez told reporters in Durban ahead of this weekend's clash.
"They are the two flyhalves after Pat.
"I think he [Janse van Rensburg] has got his head a little bit in front especially after the [pre-season] game against the Blue Bulls where I thought he played really well. It is a big opportunity for him. I am confident in his game management."
Janse van Rensburg, who represented NWU-Pukke and the Leopards in 2016, ticks a lot of boxes for Du Preez.
"I think he is a very good communicator, which for me is really important in a pivotal position like 10," Du Preez added.
"He is a brilliant defender. So nobody is going to come into that channel. He also has a good kicking game."
Meanwhile, Du Preez said Lambie is remaining positive despite his latest setback.
"Patrick is obviously a massive loss for us, but it [injury] is not as bad as we thought it would be. Hopefully, he will be back in six to eight weeks.
"He has seen a neurosurgeon after his After his MRI. I think Pat is in good spirits – he is a fighter," said Du Preez.
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