Lambie way ahead of his rivals: iLIVE

Simnikiwe Xabanisa's column ("Don't write off Jantjies", yesterday) refers.

It is difficult to find fault with Pat Lambie's flyhalf performance last week. Accomplished is seldom used to describe a rugby player's performance, but in the case of Lambie's against the Cheetahs, it was entirely appropriate. He was cool, calm and collected, but is that all that is required of a great flyhalf? Are those not, in fact, the essential abilities and attributes of a great fullback?

What makes a great flyhalf is all of that plus the ability to break, and create try-scoring opportunities for the centres and wings. But it was the Cheetahs' backline that performed better in that regard, and it is simplistic to put that down entirely to altitude.

Lambie won round one of the Bok flyhalf trials, but both Johan Goosen and Elton Jantjies are likely to improve in their running, passing and kicking in the games to come.

At their best, both may have the edge, or X factor, that is the pace to make a break, and the flair and ability to create a try from seemingly nothing, which is often decisive in tight test matches.

As an avid, but hopefully objective, Sharks supporter I am not sure at this stage who is the best flyhalf in South Africa, and certainly Goosen and Jantjies have to improve dramatically to challenge Lambie for the Bok flyhalf berth.

I am sure of one thing: Lambie is head and shoulders the most accomplished, calmest and best all round fullback.