There are suggestions that Pat Lambie could still make a comeback before the play-offs in July.

Mercury

Pat Lambie who got injured in the Sharks’ 5th round match against the Bulls with his halfback partner Cobus Reinach seems to be recovering faster than estimated as early reports indicated. both Lambie and Reinach were initially said to be out for around 4 to 6 weeks, but it was later confirmed that Lambie had torn his bicep muscle and would be out for around 6 months. With more injuries hitting the Sharks over the weekend the news from Jake White that Lambie could be available for the final two league matches, as well as the play-offs, was welcome news.

“Jake White explained that the 4 or 5 games that Patrick would then play in (should we fare well in the play-offs), was very good news indeed, much of our game plan was invested in him making the calls, this he said would be of great help to new captain (Bismark du Plessis).”

In last weekend’s clash with the Cheetahs Tonderai Chavhanga got added to the mounting injury list.  Chavanga limped off just before half-time against the Cheetahs with a hamstring injury, that could keep him out for up to 4 weeks. JP Pietersen, Paul Jordaan and Fred Zeilinga are all sidelined with the same injury and will not be available for this weeks match against the Highlanders.

White in a little bit of other good news indicated that Odwa Ndugane could be ready for this coming weekends match. Frans Steyn has been the one player keeping the sharks on the front foot and hopefully can keep going. White says Steyn is fine. “He needs a break but he will be fine for this week, especially when we have a lot of guys that are 50-50. Frans understands that he has to bide his time until we get guys back. Frans is very important to the team, especially with a new 10 (in Swiel). He knows that.”

The Sharks also await the return of Cobus Reinach, Tera Mtembu and Anton Bresler, with Pieter Steph du Toit unfortunately still out for the rest of the season. The injuries are mounting and we only have one game to go before the tour explained White who now seems tempted to rest a few of his players? but at the same time feels that this would not be the right game to take that risk. “It is so important to get on the plane on a winning note. “We have a short week, a five-day turnaround from the Cheetahs match, so to make five or six changes because the players need it physically could be the wrong thing for this week because it will disrupt our rhythm. “It is a home game, and a game against a team fresh after their bye. So I’m not sure it’s the right time to rest,” White said.