In an interview with the Sharks website, coach John Plumtree indicated that Andy Goode is available to continue playing for the Sharks from a legal point of view, but that he may well be kept out of action this weekend by a hamstring strain.
The coach further went on to suggest that, while the long-term planning for Patrick Lambie does involve a role at flyhalf, the youngster is unlikely to see any action in that position during the Super 14 this year. It’s a conservative approach very much in keeping with the coach’s overall philosophy, in which he hopes to gradually expose the talented Michaelhouse old boy to top rugby from the fullback position. It’s a pragmatic decision, I guess, but certainly not particularly adventurous and I feel that the Sharks really should be looking at a far less cautious approach if they’re hoping to sneak into the play-offs. Bonus points are what is needed – from every single remaining game – and we’re going to need a real playmaker in the flyhalf position.
If the non-selection of Lambie at flyhalf smacks of sensible conservatism, then the coach is rumoured to be taking that to a ridiculous level with the rumoured selection at outside centre. I’m not going to reveal who it is, but I’m sure you can probably guess for yourselves who it’s going to be. Hell of a nice guy with plenty of experience… but he makes Swannie look quick!
In other, fairly predictable news, Plumtree has denied signing a contract extension, saying he hasn’t got around to it yet. I think he just likes to contradict the stuff I write here. Nothing personal, eh John?
Im on a jetlag comedown from the HK 7′s so am completely clueless as to who the experience nice guy centre could be?
@billy (Comment 1) : Can only be Strauss
DRIES?
I say NOTHING
@Pokkel (Comment 2) : Strauss possibly but something maks me suspicious its more out of left field.
Craig Burden? But he’s not slow…
Can only be Andries “Slow Poison” Strauss.
Please leave the SHarks now Waylon…
Well either Trevor Halstead made a comeback or we`re stuck with carthorse Strauss . . .
Hold up . . . Butch is rather slow as well isn`t he???
De Wet Barry?
@deanoelsch (Comment 10) :
Well if Goode is not able to play then we need Monty on the bench to cover. Ruan will probably start.
Pleased that they wont mess with Lambie, just leave him to settle first at FB. Try him out at FH in the CC.
Now who will play outside centre must be Strauss.
Rob I’ll disagree with and and agree with Plumtree about Lambie not playing 10. Even Carter and Giteau were introduced to professional rugby away from flyhalf. There’s so much that needs to be worked on before a young, talented player can concentrate on being a playmaker. A 10′s primary duties are slick passing, accurate kicking and marshalling the backline. Let young Lambie find his feet at fullback first.
And if someone would only tell Waylon that he is over 100kg we’d rather a rather decent centre right there.
This conservative attitude is weighing this team down! Please don’t let it be dries, I get what you saying about him being a nice guy but so is john smit and I don’t want him at outside centre either! Waylon is a better option but I’d still like to see plum throw caution to the wind,just once.
Trevor Halstead, Dean Hall or Grant Rees
Well we know it`s not JP cause he`s a lot faster than Swanepoel . ..
I know, I know… Terblanche for outside centre.
Maybe it’s Monty Dumond
@molly (Comment 18) : It’s not Stefan…he’s much faster than Swannie. Older, but faster.
@zenrugby (Comment 15) : Waylon isn’t better, not on current form. He looks so clueless on the field, I almost feel sorry for him. Give him gametime in the VC. Dries is boring and maybe slow, but he’s not horrible…I would never play him at 13 though.
@Letgo (Comment 21) :
Play Waylon for an extended period and then see.
And also play him outside a passing centre – he doesnt have Adi’s knack of making crap ball look good.