Lambie to captain Boks at Wembley

Adriaan Strauss, who has led the Springboks in all of their nine Tests so far this year, will be rested for the Barbarians match. Coetzee will name the Springbok match-23 on Thursday afternoon. No Test caps will be awarded for this match.

With his regular captain not considered for the match, Coetzee said Lambie was a natural choice for the captaincy against the Barbarians.

“Patrick was always part of the leadership group and part of the spine of the Springbok team,” said Coetzee.

“He has excelled as a leader at franchise level and has the respect of his peers. He understands the team culture and has a great understanding of the game and the way we want to play. I have no doubt that he will make a success of his appointment as captain for this match.”

“Adriaan still plays an important role in the squad, by giving support to Patrick and also helping Bongi and Malcolm with technical detail and he has bought into my succession plan,” said Coetzee.

“He understand the bigger picture and he will be back to lead the team again against England at Twickenham next weekend.”

Lambie said it is an honour to be appointed as captain of the Springboks: “To play for the Springboks is a big honour and the captaincy comes with a huge amount of responsibility. South Africa have a proud rugby tradition and the whole squad are excited to represent our country against the Barbarians.”

Lambie has played in 53 Tests for the Springboks, scoring 137 points. He is equally home at fullback and flyhalf.

Brief profile of Patrick Lambie:

Position: Flyhalf (28 Tests), Wing (1), Fullback (24) 

Provincial team: Cell C Sharks 

Springbok number: 820 

Test debut: 6 November 2010 vs Ireland in Dublin aged 20 

Total tests: 53 

Tour matches: 2 

Total Springbok matches: 55 

Honours: SA Rugby Young Player of the Year (2011); SA Rugby Player of the Year nominee (2011, 2012); SA Schools (2007-2008)