Lambie back for Sharks
Lambie will play off the bench when the Durban-based franchise takes on the Western Force on Saturday.
The Bok pivot has not played since suffered a vertebra fracture against the Waratahs in Round Three.
However, his return will be welcomed by a Sharks team desperate to cement their place in Super Rugby's play-off zone.
There are several changes, mostly rotation, to the starting XV.
There are two new wings.
Kobus van Wyk also returns from injury and takes over from Odwa Ndungane.
Sibusiso Nkosi, who is making his debut, has replaced Lwazi Mvovo – who is being rested this week.
There is rotation in the second row – with Stephan Lewies making way for Etienne Oosthuizen.
In the front row, Coenie Oosthuizen comes in for Lourens Adriaanse at tighthead prop.
Sharks: 15 Rhyno Smith, 14 Kobus van Wyk, 13 Lukhanyo Am, 12 Jeremy Ward, 11 Sibusiso Nkosi, 10 Curwin Bosch, 9 Michael Claassens, 8 Daniel du Preez, 7 Jean-Luc du Preez, 6 Philip van der Walt (captain), 5 Ruan Botha, 4 Etienne Oosthuizen, 3 Coenie Oosthuizen, 2 Chiliboy Ralepelle, 1 Thomas du Toit.
Replacements: 16 Franco Marais, 17 Tendai Mtawarira, 18 Lourens Adriaanse, 19 Stephan Lewies, 20 Lubabalo Mtembu, 21 Cobus Reinach, 22 Patrick Lambie, 23 Johan Deysel.
Date: Saturday, May 6
Venue: Kings Park, Durban
Kick-off: 15.05 (21.05 AWST; 13.05 GMT)
Referee: Rasta Rasivhenge (South Africa)
Assistant referees: Quinton Immelman (South Africa), Archie Sehlako (South Africa)
TMO: Shaun Veldsman (South Africa)
