Pat must play, Morné must rest
22 Oct 2012
JON CARDINELLI writes the Currie Cup semi-finals showed why Pat Lambie is ready for the Springbok flyhalf responsibility, and why the other contenders are not.
Lambie went into the 2012 Test season with plenty to prove. New Bok coach Heyneke Meyer wasn’t convinced that he had what it took to hold down a starting position. The biggest concern was Lambie’s tactical kicking accuracy and game management. Meyer felt that Bulls fullback Zane Kirchner held the edge in this department.
It was also around this time that Meyer made it clear that Morné Steyn was his preferred flyhalf. According to the Bok coach, the team would need Steyn’s composure, as well his goal- and tactical-kicking precision if they hoped to win Tests consistently.
Over the course of the season, however, Steyn has failed to display the strengths that helped the Boks win the series against the British & Irish Lions as well as the Tri-Nations in 2009. Ironically, it’s been his lack of accuracy that has cost the team matches in 2012.
Following the disappointing draw to England in Port Elizabeth, Meyer admitted that Steyn would need to find form in the subsequent Super Rugby games if the Boks were to improve. They turned out to be prophetic words, as Steyn continued to struggle over the next few months, and this had a negative impact on both the Bulls and the Boks.
When Steyn was eventually axed, Meyer explained that the flyhalf had played virtually non-stop for three years, and so he required a mental break. But only a few weeks later, Steyn was asked to lift the Bulls out of the Currie Cup relegation zone and into the play-offs.
It was a task that Steyn responded to at first. He proved instrumental in the Bulls’ crucial win over the Lions, a result that propelled the Pretorians into a semi-final against the Sharks. However, it was in this latter game where his shortcomings, both physical and mental, were again exposed.
There are many who feel that Steyn will add value on the Boks’ end-of-year tour to Europe. I have to disagree.
It’s a difficult tour where conditions prescribe a tighter and more tactical approach. Steyn’s supporters will say that he fits the bill, but my argument is that Steyn is suited to this role only in theory.
If you look at where Steyn is mentally, and how he has consistently struggled to regain his once prolific kicking accuracy, how can you even consider taking him to Europe and asking him to win three Tests in a row?
Steyn was not solely to blame for Saturday’s loss to the Sharks, but it was because of his poor kicking and game management that the Bulls battled to get out of their own half.
He’s never been known as a dirty or ill-disciplined player, and yet, he finished this game with a swinging arm that connected the face of Sharks fullback Louis Ludik.
The Bulls were about to lose, to exit the Currie Cup, and Steyn reacted badly. It’s not too much of a stretch to judge this action as a response to his seemingly endless struggles of 2012. It’s very clear that he needs a mental break from rugby.
Lambie made a massive statement with his excellent goal-kicking performance at Kings Park, as well as a fine display of game management that played a big role in the Sharks’ overwhelming territorial advantage.
Looking at the performances of both flyhalves in Durban, you’d have to say that things couldn’t have gone better for Lambie in a Bok context. Lambie rose above the pressure, while Steyn succumbed to it. On the basis of that game, it’s clear which player you’d back to win the Boks’ Tests in Europe.
The flyhalf position has been a talking point ever since Johan Goosen went down with a season-ending injury at Soccer City. Goosen is the future at No 10, but it is Lambie who can provide the Boks with another strong option. And in the modern game where the schedule is relentless and serious injuries are a reality, you need two strong options.
The other semi-final in Johannesburg also highlighted why Lambie is the best available choice. Elton Jantjies may have already played for the Boks this season, but I’m not convinced that he has the temperament, nor the skill set at this stage of his career, to handle the ultimate responsibility.
Jantjies missed three early kicks at goal, and these misses were massive in the context of a rain-affected game. Indeed, if you compare Jantjies’ misses in Johannesburg with Lambie’s early penalties in Durban, you could say that Jantjies blew a similar chance to establish early momentum, to build a commanding lead and set up a convincing win.
The sight of Jantjies being flattened by the diminutive Gio Aplon will not inspire confidence. His lack of physicality has long been considered a shortcoming, as has his defence which was exposed in that Test against the All Blacks at Soccer City.
He’s a confidence player, and only takes the ball to the gain line when he receives it on the front foot. When his forwards aren’t enjoying that sort of momentum, he slides back into the pocket.
The obvious response to this statement is: which flyhalf doesn’t?
Of all the players who have played flyhalf in recent seasons, Lambie has stood out as a player who continues to take the initiative despite the failure of his forwards. The game I’m referring to is the 2011 Test against the All Blacks in New Zealand where he played one of his better games in a Bok jersey. He responds well to that sort of pressure.
Goosen is injured. Jantjies’s is a talent that has yet to be fully developed and refined. Steyn has lost confidence and form and can’t be expected to win games for South Africa in his current guise.
And then we have Lambie, who has led the Sharks to back-to-back wins with superb all-round displays. Lambie, who in all likelihood will lead the Sharks to another Currie Cup title in Durban this Saturday. Lambie, a match-winner.
Really, it’s not a difficult call to make.
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463 Comments
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22 Oct 2012, 09:56 am
@The Sharks rugby pedigree is packaged as dog food-100:
I don’t know why the game is being played! One way traffic…
22 Oct 2012, 09:58 am
@The Sharks rugby pedigree is packaged as dog food-93: What are you on about now again? Pat played at flyhalf most of the time he was not injured for Sharks. Only time he was selected at fb when not injured was against Stormers at the Tank, Lions at Ellis Park and the final. He played 9 games at flyhalf, had he not picked up a injury he would have played all games there. Fred played scrumhalf and sat mostly on the bench when Pat played fh. Anyhow that has been said over and over.
For now he is our best flyhalf for eoyt and he should start. BUT you know as well as all of us Meyer will start with Morne. Morne should have been cited with that stiff arm tackle to Ludik.
22 Oct 2012, 09:58 am
I have been calling for Lambie to start at FH since the England games. Even with a fit in form Goosen & Steyn available, Lambie should still be first choice.
He is the next and best cab off the rank and has earned an extended run as first choice bok flyhalf.
FH’s in order of position earned at present.
Lambie
Goosen
Jantjies
**Daylight and other flyhalves**
Steyn
22 Oct 2012, 09:58 am
@Gumboots-92:
Tired post.
@The Sharks rugby pedigree is packaged as dog food-100:
You too.
22 Oct 2012, 10:00 am
Lambie shuold have been playing flyhalf since the England series or atleast sharing the duties with Morne Steyn.
I do not believe in dropping M Steyn at all, LAmbie and M Steyn should both go on the EOYT.
How on earth HM could have ignored Lambie like this is beyond belief, Lambie should nerves of steel in last years RWC!!!
I just hope he gets his chance at flyhalf for the Boks, i belive we will all be pleasanlty surpised
22 Oct 2012, 10:00 am
@Brendope-103: I see that way as well. Pat has always been our best fh. A complete flyhalf that has everything. Enough said.
22 Oct 2012, 10:00 am
#105 (Spelling/Grammar/Delicous English) – Showed nerves of steel!!
22 Oct 2012, 10:00 am
Hey!!
National caps count for nothing when we can all agree that the national teams composition is fundamentally biased and based on the ideals of an overzealous NP stooge with an innate predisposition to select players of european ancestry. Thus rendering any argument that a capped player in SA is of any iota of superiority absolute stuff that originates deep within the bowels of perpetual ignorance and prejudice.
And if we don’t all agree on that then kiss my azz!!
22 Oct 2012, 10:01 am
@stormersboy-97: Not bitter… Outraged more like it, as any honest rugby supporter should be…
But it seems honesty is a rare attributes especially with many supporters of “traditional power” in SA rugby…
But these same traditional “kenners” do seem to have more common attributes of short term memory loss – of who is actually performing in the present, combined with long term memory embedding where all they can remember is the superiority of long gone yesteryear….
Much like senility…
A “traditional power” senility…. Thats what you poor dumbfucks suffer from…
Pity you fools…
22 Oct 2012, 10:02 am
@Brendope-103: You are an honest kenner, my son
22 Oct 2012, 10:02 am
@John Galt-104:
They’ll go on like that all day if you give them a chance.
22 Oct 2012, 10:02 am
@Heavens Game-54: “The fact that the referee was one sided is not an indictment on Lawrence – it is an indication of the Bulls indiscipline and predictability that was taken full advantage of by the more savvy Sharks”
would love to see this line of thinking being applied across the board…
if i recall well some people were b.itching about craig joubert’s reffing at Newlands earlier this year but now it is “NOT an indictment on” the ref if he blows one-sided
love it
22 Oct 2012, 10:03 am
@John Galt-104:
I flatter your side then it is regarded as a tired post. I criticize then I’m critical…
Whatever John…
22 Oct 2012, 10:04 am
@Liewe Luiperd-79:
During 2012 the Stormers ended top of the SA conference of the super 15.
WP won the 2012 Vodacom cup.
WP will contest the final’s in the under 19, under 21 and currie cup competitions on Saturday. Their opponents in the 2 age group games will be the Bulls.
The Bulls were by far the best team at the Cravenweek.
The Sharks have one sweet nothing so far and is contesting only one final on Saturday.
Taking the above into consideration I would like to learn about the formula that you have used to come to the conclusion that the Sharks are dominating the traditional pwerhouses of SA rugby?
22 Oct 2012, 10:07 am
Even the All Black supporters were raving about Lambie(Lamborghini) last year.
I have a feeling HM is too entrenched in his Blue Bulls religion that the Boks will continue to suffer and the EOYT could well be another Strooilie-gate scandal!!
22 Oct 2012, 10:07 am
Okay I give up. I cannot handle the constant “Pat has the biggest pënis” comments any longer.
Lets play Pat at 10 for the Boks on the EOYT and see what happens. That’s if he survives the battering he’ll receive from Etzebeth and Vermeuelen on Saturday.
22 Oct 2012, 10:10 am
Lambie @ 10, 13, & 15 and Boks should be looking at at least 2/3 on EOYT.
All Hail the Lamb
22 Oct 2012, 10:10 am
@sharks_lover-56: “dissapline”
geez
22 Oct 2012, 10:10 am
@Heavens Game-98:
Did you notice Vic “the dictator” say at half time “its time they bring on Hougaard” …….then he must have gone down out the studio an made that call to Pine…….cause guess what happened next….that just a theory
Remeber Vic tried that sH ! T with Jake White and was sent packing at one stage
22 Oct 2012, 10:11 am
Will we give Elton another run should Lambie not live up to the hype in a Test?
Or should we back him til he settles in the flyhalf position, like we did with Elton?
22 Oct 2012, 10:11 am
@John Galt-104: Just getting started
It’s only Monday……. As long as the Guppies carry on about how their world class players have been abused by everyone in SA, I will continue 
@Puma-102: Michalak fuckedup Lambie’s chances of getting a start at 10 for the Boks this year – THE END. And that’s the way it is.
@Heavens Game-109: Told you mate earlier. Without the charity, empathy and kindness of the 2 traditional powers, you fellas would still be playing CC 1st division. Pipe down now, and rather thank those who pulled you out of the gutter, and granted you the chance to compete.
Back later to read more about the awesomeness and superhuman powers of the Sharks.
22 Oct 2012, 10:13 am
@Rockn Rolla-119: Hougaard’s game is nowhere at the moment IMO. He should be allowed to play his natural game and not the constant kicking !!
22 Oct 2012, 10:13 am
@race of tan-115: Lamborghini??? Super Pat??? 3D Pat??? – of forfucks sake? And you fellows wonder why the rest of the country doesn’t take the Guppies claims about their players seriously?
22 Oct 2012, 10:16 am
@Brendope-103:
Smoke some chiba this morning did we??
If we isolate the performances of every FLYHALF in this country over the last 2 years where do Lambie and Goosen really fit in? They’ve hardly played so what does it take to earn your vote?
22 Oct 2012, 10:17 am
@Gumboots-113: They’re so confused
We hear 24/7 how they are the best……and all their players should be Boks etc etc etc, but when one concedes this, with predictions of how our WP boys will be pumped by 30 points on Saturday – they whinge?
Helluva confused this bunch
They hate Mark L, they LOVE Mark L. They love Meyer, they hate Meyer.
The entire Rubgy championship, they whinged because Lambie didn’t replace Zane at 15….now they are furious, because Lambie should have been Bok 10 from 2010?????
You can’t argue with this mate
****Theymustbesofuckingdizzywithallthissideswiping****
22 Oct 2012, 10:22 am
@The Sharks rugby pedigree is packaged as dog food-125:
Most of them wanted the coach fired and even started a fire Plumtree site and now he is the second coming. Very confused bunch. Most vanish when the team is invisible, but now they are back.
I couldn’t care a continental either. They have a few Blue boys agreeing with every post as well. The normal one’s I guess…
22 Oct 2012, 10:24 am
@The Sharks rugby pedigree is packaged as dog food-93: Meyer can’t very well have selected Freddy… Could he… That unfortunately is reserved for Phillipe Saint Andre…
Not that Meyer would have ever entertained the thought should he have been able to… The Traditional Capies and Ballas probably would have stereotyped him as too small, can’t kick, too unpredictable or some such… conveniently forgetting how he carved up the “best defensive side” in super rugby on their home turf in the semifinal…
And Meyer would have done their who shouts the loudest bidding… Like he has done with other superior players he has disgracefully dropped without giving half a decent chance afforded to inferior players such as Fatfuck Vermeulen, Taute and Liewe Morne to name just a few….
22 Oct 2012, 10:26 am
I’m sure if Zane Kirchner was a Sharks player, he’d be the best fb in the coutry….
22 Oct 2012, 10:27 am
@Heavens Game-109: The only dumbfuck i see is you. Read post 114 for starters.
Traditional powers are still that.
You are starting to sound more and more like Skop. Talking in circles, contradicting, just sounding a bit tired with over used phrases.
Time for a makeover.
22 Oct 2012, 10:27 am
@stormersboy-129:
multinic?
surtely not?
22 Oct 2012, 10:28 am
Wouldn’t it be quite embarrassingly karmaic should the Sharks Bok rejects absolutely annihilate the WP Bok flavours of the moment this Saturday…
Wonder what the excuses on the mountain breeze will be this time for, what, the 5th win out of 6 this season…?
BOOM!
22 Oct 2012, 10:32 am
@Heavens Game-131: If you don’t beat this team of U/21′s and Varisty Cup players by 40 – your Sharks aren’t as good as what you think you are
Your juniors were very disapointing.
U/19 final: Bulls/WP
U/21 final: Bulls/WP (‘B’ team)
Currie Cup final: The Dynamite vs WP U/21 ‘A’ team
22 Oct 2012, 10:33 am
@Puma-95: @Gumboots-92:
9.wooden spoon said:
13 Jan 2012, 12:27 pm
Easily the best South African franchise this year.
They should comfortably top the SA conference.
22 Oct 2012, 10:36 am
@Heavens Game-127: Meyer couldn’t select Michalak – correct. Which makes Plumtree the d ** s in the Lambie saga – just as I have said.
Michalak being there screwed Lambie’s chances.
You have admitted it now – thankfthefuckinggods.
22 Oct 2012, 10:36 am
@CharlesM-122:
He would be brilliant in any one of the Aussie super rugby sides
22 Oct 2012, 10:36 am
@stormersboy-129: I will take that as a compliment…
Skop certainly doesn’t follow the crowd, or sheep here, in their stereotypes, myths and getalong gang dumbfuck wisdom constantly being stymied by reality when their current flavours of the month get consistently embarrassed by “inferior” teams and “inferior” players…
Yet the same sheep follow one another and jump the same old fences to traditional power yesteryear oblivion…
Skop doesn’t need to follow… He does that all on his ownsome…
You however differ in that you prefer trying to find the nearest woolly tail to lock onto in front of you… and follow…. Like the rest of the stereotype dishonest dumbfucks here…
22 Oct 2012, 10:37 am
The Sharks own the WP/Stormers. They are thinking of loaning them to the Lions for their Super Rugby promotion/relegation match against the Kings next year.
22 Oct 2012, 10:37 am
@Transformation-133:
Exactly! Who topped the SA conference? Oh yeah I forgot…
22 Oct 2012, 10:38 am
@Transformation-133: Find the posts where they go all “retro adoration” on their U/19 and U/21 teams…..
How many finals did their Academy all stars make? Notfuckingone.
22 Oct 2012, 10:39 am
@kaksioek-137:
The Sharks own the WP/Stormers. I think you got it wrong. Free State own the Sharks franchise and provide players to them…
22 Oct 2012, 10:39 am
@Heavens Game-127: “The Traditional Capies and Ballas probably would have stereotyped him as too small”
Capies? Labeling someone as too small? Why, because we play those giants Aplon, Pietersen, De Jongh, Catrakilis and Groom? Wow! You really are dof ne?
I enjoy your renditions regarding “fatfuck” Vermeulen, especially if the Sharks franchise employs both “Operation Dumbo Drop Alberts, and Francois “Fast as an Iceberg” Steyn… I frequently see Vermeulen competing for a ball on the ground, I suspect Alberts and Steyn last saw their own feet in 2007…
22 Oct 2012, 10:40 am
@mxhosa-128: no doubt! baqhunyiwe abalandeli be-Sharks…
Ludik’s form towards the end of Super rugby was admirable BUT plumtree dropped him to play Lambie who had just returned from injury but NOW “ludik is the best fullback in the country by a country mile”
these sharks supporters are dizzy…
22 Oct 2012, 10:41 am
@stormersboy-129:
22 Oct 2012, 10:41 am
@Heavens Game-127: No way you can call Vermeulen and inferior player !!
I said at the time that Daniel should not have been dropped but Jacques Potgieter should have been dropped. Vermeulen brings a lot to the game !!
22 Oct 2012, 10:41 am
@Heavens Game-98:
Same thing happened to Daniel when Vic the dictator must have looked at the teamsheet put a line through Daniels name and put Steggman in on that EOTY tour
22 Oct 2012, 10:41 am
@CharlesM-144: an inferior player
22 Oct 2012, 10:43 am
@Robzim-114: How about this formula, my little streeptrui deluded sheep…
After this weekend Let W=Win Ratio this season , S = Sharks, P = WP Mofgatte, B = Blou Ballas
After this weekend W = S / P = 5 / 1 = 5
Also W = S / B = 4 / 2 = 2
Conclusion:
A Sharks win ratio of 5:1 vs WP and 2:1 vs Bulls = Not just Dominance… But a very different reality to your “Traditional Power” yesteryear fantasies…
Reality is strange aint it…
Sheep.
22 Oct 2012, 10:44 am
A horse walked into the bar…barman said, “Hey, why the long face?” Horse turned to Keegan Daniel, “I think he’s talking to you boet!”
22 Oct 2012, 10:44 am
@thesaint-141: Haha BOOM HG!
Smashed.
22 Oct 2012, 10:44 am
@The Sharks rugby pedigree is packaged as dog food-125:
Yeah, I remember after Lambies first season, he was the next Bok 15, then it was the next 12. Now theses Sharks “kenners”, as HG would call them, reckon he should be the Bok 10. A position that I reckoned was his best all along. We had a similar frenzy over Frans being potentially the greatest Bok 10 ever, when it was obvious that he wasn’t a natural 10.
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