DURBAN – At one stage they were touted as the Boks’ best halfback pairing option, but with injuries striking Sharks flyhalf Pat Lambie and his ‘partner in crime’, Cobus Reinach, their burgeoning relationship was put on ice.
Now, as the Sharks prepare to warm up against the Cheetahs in Umlazi, Durban, on Friday evening, the fit again pair will look to restart their partnership ahead of a big year for club and country.
On the eve of his first game of 2017, captain Lambie will hope to have put aside the last of his bad injury luck with recent bicep, neck and head injuries keeping him out of a Sharks jersey for nearly two whole seasons.
Lambie says it feels like it is a bit of a rebirth for him at the club where he has played all of his rugby as he looks to rediscover the form that made him a number one choice for the Bok flyhalf berth.
“I am really looking forward to this season,” Lambie smiled. “It almost feels like a new start with the Sharks as I have hardly played any rugby for them in the last few seasons. I can’t wait to get out there, and I am really going to try and enjoy myself.”
Almost the ying to Lambie’s Yang, Reinach is also returning from a horrific injury where he tore his ACL against the Highlanders last year. Reinach was also staking a big claim to the Bok No 9 jersey before his injury, and now, reunited with Lambie, the exciting Reinach and his collected captain, could build towards an impressive partnership for when the French arrive to play the Springboks.
“My partner in crime,” Lambie chuckled when asked about the man most likely to start on his inside when the Sharks play the Reds on opening day of Super Rugby. “I am very chuffed for Cobus, it is a very nasty injury to get through, and I think he has come through with flying colours. I am sure he is chomping at the bit to get some game time against the Cheetahs and he is ready for a big year.”