Pat Lambie’s recall to the Springboks’ Rugby Championship squad is in order for the medical team to assess his readiness for international rugby.

Although Lambie’s return to the Bok set-up was widely expected when the 31-man squad for the final two home Tests was announced on Wednesday, there were some who questioned whether he was being prematurely rushed back after only recently recovering from a long-term concussion.

Lambie suffered a serious blow to the head in the Boks’ first Test of the year against Ireland in June, and only made his return to action when he played off the bench for the Sharks this past Saturday.

With Elton Jantjies battling for form, Lambie could come straight back into the starting lineup for next Saturday’s Test against the Wallabies, but Allister Coetzee has clarified the reasoning behind the 25-year-old’s recall.

‘We want to ascertain his readiness and confidence for international rugby or whether he rather needs to play another match in the Currie Cup.'

If Lambie isn’t deemed ready for a return to Test rugby, Johan Goosen could well be backed to start at flyhalf, with recalled Willie le Roux now providing another option at fullback. Veteran Morné Steyn is the other alternative if Jantjies is dropped after starting the last six Tests.

There could also be yet another change in the midfield, where Damian de Allende may be set to return at inside centre, with Juan de Jongh having battled to make an impression in the No 12 jersey.

There is also expected to be a change at scrumhalf, with Francois Hougaard quite possibly in line to replace Faf de Klerk, who has battled to string together consistent performances at Test level.

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