Durban – Patrick Lambie versus Morné Steyn: the showdown that Sharks and Bulls fans have been waiting for.
They will be going into Saturday’s Currie Cup semi-final with Man of the Match performances behind them; both had to make way for Johan Goosen in the Springboks’ clash with Australia last month; both will want to prove they are the deserved wearers of the Bok number 10 jersey.
But – apart from them both listing The Hangover as their favourite movie – that is where the similarities end, for the two flyhalves are like chalk and cheese. Lambie is a master at directing the game, providing a pivotal point around which his backline is free to run the ball, while Steyn is not. Yet Steyn is a kicking hero while Lambie is also potent with the boot. So why is there such fierce competition?
If opposing online fans are to believed, it is because Lambie should rather be focusing on selling shampoo or playing a kabouter (gnome) in The Lord of the Rings, while Steyn will be “suffering from PMS” and trying to hide behind his forwards to avoid making tackles.
While the debate has become vigorous – and sometimes nasty – the anticipation over the flyhalf face-off cannot be denied. Heyneke Meyer’s overlooking of Lambie during the Castle Rugby Championship has deeply hurt the Kings Park faithful, and they will be hoping their blue-eyed boy can prove a point.
On the Sharks’ Facebook page, fans praised his performance against Griquas last weekend.
While some spoke of Lambie as a “baby” in comparison, he and his fans should feel a little smug that at only 22 (he celebrated his birthday on Wednesday) and with only 17 Springbok caps, he is able to unnerve fans of a man who is six years his senior and has 41 Bok caps.
While tickets are still available (kick-off 4.30pm), the only element not playing along is the weather, with the forecast showing cold, overcast, rainy conditions. Light rain was predicted with a maximum temperature of 18ºC.
Sharks coach John Plumtree said: “We haven’t had the best of luck in terms of weather lately in Durban for our matches, but we have secured the wins, which was key to our campaign.”
The Sharks have lost just once this year in Durban, a Super Rugby match against the eventual champs, the Chiefs. They are up against a Bulls team that has nothing to lose.
“The reality of knock-out rugby is that it does not matter on the day what has gone before,” said Plumtree. “It is of no consequence that we finished top and the Bulls came fourth. We expect them to come here with a true ‘finals’ mentality.”
Stadium manager Aslam Yusuf said they were “100 percent ready to host the event”.
Motorists are warned of possible congestion. Umgeni, Smiso Nkwanyana and Sandile Thusi roads will be affected by road closures, as will Suncoast Boulevard.
“Those not going to the game are advised to avoid these areas,” said eThekwini metro police spokesman Wiseman Mchunu.
People who plan to celebrate after the game should make arrangements to get home safely. “We will have roadblocks,” Mchunu warned. – The Mercury
