Sharks lose captain Pat Lambie to back injury

The Sharks have confirmed that captain Pat Lambie will be out of action for six to eight weeks due to a back injury.

Lambie had to be replaced early on during Saturday’s clash against the Waratahs, and it was confirmed on Monday that he had suffered a fractured vertebrae in his lower back.

‘It is difficult to say exactly how long the approximate length of recovery will be in Pat’s case, as he undergoes further scans today, but his return is estimated at six to eight weeks,’ Sharks team doctor Alan Kourie commented.

Lambie has missed large portions of the last three Super Rugby seasons as the result of serious injuries, and it’s a considerable blow that he will now face another lengthy period out of action.

Although Curwin Bosch impressed as Lambie’s replacement against the Waratahs, the 19-year-old has primarily been focusing on specialising at fullback, and it would be a big task for him to take on a long-term role at 10.

The matter is also somewhat complicated by the fact that veteran fullback Clement Poitrenaud has been nursing a groin injury, and could be in danger of missing this Saturday’s clash against the Kings.

Poitrenaud, along with hooker Franco Marais, wil undergo further tests early this week to determine their availability for this Saturday’s match against the Kings.

If Bosch has a role to play at fullback, the Sharks may then need to turn to youngsters such as Bernard Janse van Rensburg or Inny Radebe to provide cover at flyhalf.

After Saturday’s game against the Waratahs, Sharks coach Rob du Preez hailed the performance of Bosch, but conceded that it had not been an ideal scenario to be faced with.

‘We’ve practiced with Curwin at 10, but he’s been playing fullback from last year, and then when Clement came off, we had to move [centre] Lukhanyo [Am] to the wing, and although he played really well, it was a bit disruptive.’

The Sharks also confirmed that Philip van der Walt suffered an undisplaced fractured cheekbone in a clash of heads against the Waratahs, and will not be available this weekend.