Durban – Local lad Patrick Lambie could well start at flyhalf for the Springboks against the Pumas at Kings Park on Saturday because of a concussion concern over Handré Pollard.
Pollard took a heavy knock to the head against the All Blacks at Ellis Park a fortnight ago and is showing signs of “delayed concussion”, according to team doctor Craig Roberts.
Pollard may well be cleared to play later in the week but it would make sense for coach Heyneke Meyer to rest the youngster and give Lambie a chance on his home ground, plus the door would then be opened for veteran Morné Steyn to get an opportunity off the bench.
Lambie is short of a gallop after hardly playing this year because of a serious neck injury suffered early in the Sharks’ Super Rugby campaign and he been has been limited to appearances off the bench for the Boks in covering both 10 and fullback.
Dr Roberts had mostly good news to deliver after the players underwent rigorous testing in a morning session at the People’s Park at Moses Mabhida Stadium and the stage is set for an emotional comeback for Jean de Villiers and Fourie du Preez.
Both completed the training session and they will be closely monitored today to see if they have had adverse reactions to the strenuous workout. If they are passed fit for selection, they would probably start the match and get a good 40-50 minutes of game time.
At some stage over the two games against Argentina, De Villiers could well be partnered in the midfield by the almost forgotten Bulls centre Jan Serfontein, who is back to full fitness.
At tighthead prop, Meyer is likely to have the services of Stormers strong man Vincent Koch, who is on the mend after a blow to the ribs. The No3 jersey spot is vacant because of the knee injury suffered by Jannie du Plessis at Ellis Park.
Another Stormers prop, Frans Malherbe (hip) could also be available. “For a lot of these guys coming back, the yesterday and today’s training sessions are crucial and by tomorrow the coach will better know what options are available to him,” Roberts said. “And for the forwards, the scrumming session tomorrow morning is vital. That will be a big test for Koch.”
There was further positive developments in the loose forward department, with Sharks flanks Marcell Coetzee and Willem Alberts likely to be back in the selection frame.
Coetzee took a blow to the knee against the Wallabies and missed the All Blacks Test but trained fully yesterday and will probably play a role on Saturday.
Alberts struggled with back and hamstring injuries in Super Rugby and is in need of game time but is more likely to make his return in the match in Buenos Aries next weekend.
“We have been looking after Willem carefully and he is just about ready to go, possibly even this weekend,” Roberts said. “We are very happy with his progress.”
Roberts, who had to consult his little black book of notes because the walking wounded are so numerous, said the only bad news to come out of yesterday’s evaluations was Pollard’s regression.
“Handré’s case is an interesting one,” the doctor said. “After his knock to the head he passed an immediate assessment and later passed another one. After two days there is a regulation third test and this time he showed symptoms of what we call delayed concussion.
“There are set protocols he will go through during the week and he may well be cleared but we won’t know until later in the week.”
Which is why Lambie is in line for promotion from the bench. Pollard has started three matches in a row and the Sharks man needs a good run to dust off the cobwebs.
Lock Pieter-Steph du Toit was examined after his comeback for the Sharks in a friendly against the Lions last week and Roberts said the youngster had come through unscathed and would be available for selection this week. - The Star