Former Springbok Patrick Lambie during an interview Former Bok flyhalf Patrick Lambie (pictured) has backed the Rassie Erasmus-led Springboks to achieve even greater heights following their second successive Rugby World Cup victory. Picture: Michael Sherman/IOL
Former Springboks flyhalf Patrick Lambie believes the current South African team could achieve even greater heights following their second Rugby World Cup title win in a row.
In fact, Lambie insists that with the players and coaching staff involved with the Springboks at the moment - there is still untapped potential within the side.
There’s also strong theory behind Lambie’s comments, as Rassie Erasmus has been re-appointed as the Springboks coach after Jacques Nienaber’s departure from the position.
The coaching staff will also have an incredible complement of players at their disposal, and together the side can continue to dominate world rugby said Lambie.
“There’s an opportunity now to go three in a row which nobody has ever done. I would imagine that a number of key senior players, as well as management, are going to be extremely motivated by that,” Lambie told IOL Sport at Sun City on Friday, ahead of the Gary & Vivienne Player Invitational at the Lost City Golf Course starting on Saturday.
“That carrot dangling there - if at the end of the next four-year cycle - you can go three in a row. I doubt we’ll ever see that again in our lifetime. They must enjoy themselves now, let their hair down. Play good club rugby for their clubs.
“And then come international season again, I’m sure there’ll be plans afoot to make sure for the next World Cup that we’re as strong if not stronger than we were leading into this World Cup. With more depth in all the positions.”
The latest Rugby World Cup victory by the Siya Kolisi-led Springboks was possibly even more impressive than in 2019, explained Lambie.
“It’s been a tricky period as well, it was only 18 months since Jacques and Rassie took over before the 2019 Rugby World Cup. After that, we went through Covid. We only had a few weeks to prepare for the British and Irish Lions. They’ve only really had a year or two of really being able to build depth in that squad.
“Hopefully there are no more weird and wonderful things happening in the world so we can have a four-year run-up to the next World Cup. This might only be the beginning for us in a way.”
The use of Handre Pollard and Manie Libbok in the flyhalf position in the tournament was a stroke of genius by the Springboks. With Pollard aged 29, and Libbok just 26, the future would be increasingly bright for South Africa in the number 10 slot believed Lambie.
“Manie has had an outstanding couple of years. Especially for the Stormers. It’s also clear that Jacques and Rassie were backing him by giving him the 10 jersey. I think the timing of Handre recovering from his injury was also perfect for the Springboks.
“All of his experience and goal-kicking was world class throughout the World Cup. There’s a really nice dynamic. I’m sure over the next few years we’ll see them playing for the Springboks some more and hopefully one or two youngsters coming through the ranks.”