Springbok and Sharks star back Patrick Lambie looks likely to miss another week of Super Rugby play off action and will most likely miss the Semi-final against the Stormers. Sharks coach John Plumtree has conceded that Lambie is highly unlikely to play this weekend after he missed the qualifying match against the Reds.The Sharks were hoping that the week off would allow Lambie to recover from his ankle injury in time to play in the Stormers Semi-final but Plumtree has little hope of him playing.
"The news is not that good regarding Patrick as he is still struggling and is unlikely to play," Plumtree told SuperSport.
Lambie's absence is not all bad news for the Sharks as they didn't miss him too much last weekend and Plumtree has preferred to keep his line ups consistent making changes only when necessary and for rotational purposes.
Given Plumtree history with selections he won't be too unhappy about the loss of Lambie as he was happy with the way the team performed last week.
"I thought the boys played some great rugby. I was really proud of the way they performed," said Plumtree.
"We had to win by various means - in the first half we did it through attacking rugby, and in the second we did it with defence."
Plumtree has a lot of respect for the Stormers and having lost 20-25 to them recently he is expecting a titanic battle.
"I have really admired the Stormers this season. They've performed so consistently and finished on the top of the South African conference as well as the overall log. "
"They very rarely lose at home, and it will be a huge challenge for us. I think the last time we beat them at Newlands was 2007 (it was actually 2009). They have been sitting back waiting while we are returning from some travel.
"We've got to be smart about our preparation. Everyone is talking about the travel factor, but we knew we would have to travel for a semifinal. "
"The players are positive about being back home. It's nice to sleep in your own beds. It's always nice coming home." Source: SuperXV
