Coetzee’s headache gets worse

Big question over replacement for Lambie

WITH Patrick Lambie ruled out of this weekend’s second match of the test series between the Springboks and Ireland‚ who will Allister Coetzee look to as pivot of the Boks side?

Team doctor Konrad von Hagen confirmed in Cape Town before the side left for Johannesburg that the 25-year-old flyhalf would undertake a mandatory one week’s rest after he was stretchered off with a concussion in the Boks’ 20-26 defeat to Ireland in Cape Town on Saturday.

Lambie was injured in a tackle that resulted in Ireland’s South African-born flanker CJ Stander receiving a red card.

Von Hagen said yesterday the rest of the Boks were in good health, with just bumps and bruises.

“Apart from Patrick, the full squad will be training [today] in Johannesburg.”

Not only was the defeat not an ideal start to his reign as the new Springbok coach‚ but Coetzee is left with no option but to field an inexperienced flyhalf complement in the match at Ellis Park.

Although Elton Jantjies‚ who stepped up to the plate when he came on for Lambie to play in only his third test match, is the obvious choice to start at No 10 and set to flourish at his home stadium‚ Coetzee and backline coach Mzwandile Stick will be scratching their heads as to who will provide cover at pivot.

What are Coetzee’s options?

Garth April was called up to the Bok squad for the series‚ but was released to play in the SA A match against England’s Saxons.

While April has been in form for the Sharks in Super Rugby, he failed to live up to the hype he created against the Sax- ons.

But his flair and level-headedness for the Sharks is something that could also assist the Boks should he find his tune if selected and given time on the field in the green and gold.

Francois Brummer‚ an unlikely Bok candidate at the start of the season‚ impressed when he replaced April against the Saxons, scoring his first try with his first touch of the match.

The Bulls pivot showed composure and his presence on the field saw Johan Ackermann’s SA A side play with more vigour in the second half.

Coetzee could also think outside of the box and surprise some by naming Lions winger Ruan Combrinck on the bench as cover for No 10.

The in-form Combrinck has proven handy and showed his versatility for the Lions by filling in at both flyhalf and fullback.

His kicking abilities have been widely praised and he could be an option to play the same role for the Boks‚ if needed.

Coetzee is likely to make his decision for a replacement for Lambie later today.

The Springboks will undertake their first training session in Gauteng at St Stithians College in Sandton at 3pm today.