A boom Stormers prospect just last year, rookie playmaker Sam Lane can turn tormentor on Friday night when he pulls the strings for the Queensland Reds in their Super Rugby match in Brisbane.
Reds coach Ewen McKenzie surprised even Lane himself by retaining the 21-year-old at five-eighth on Thursday despite the return of fellow pivots Mike Harris and Ben Lucas from hamstring injuries.
McKenzie rewarded the left-footer for his impressive debut in the last-start 20-13 win over the Brumbies, reinstating radar-boot Harris at inside centre and putting Lucas on the bench.
It means Lane’s opponents, many of whom he played with at Western Province in South Africa’s Currie Cup competition, will know his game better than Reds players.
In spite of being the Stormers potential No.10 in 2012, Brisbane-born Lane decided last year to return home from Cape Town, and is shaking his head at the thought of lining up against many of his old friends in his second Super Rugby match.
He spent Wednesday looking around the Queensland capital with former housemate Siya Kolisi, and won’t mind leading the Stormers flanker on a merry dance with his playmaking at Suncorp Stadium.
“I’m still new to Brisbane so we just walked around getting lost and catching up,” said Lane, who also went to school with reserve back-rower Nizaam Carr.
“I know them all pretty well but it’s not going to make a difference tomorrow night. We’ve got a job to do and we’re looking forward to that.”
The Reds have also tapped into some of Lane’s inside knowledge in their planning for what is a key clash against the South African conference leaders almost midway through the season.
“He produced under difficult circumstances and on short notice in our last match so we’re excited to see what he can produce against his former province,” McKenzie said.
The Stormers have proven themselves to be the best defensive team in the competition but the Reds are fortunate to meet them after a costly 31-24 defeat to the Crusaders in Christchurch.
The visitors must cope without injured Springboks duo and team leaders Jean de Villiers (wrist) and Andries Bekker (lower back) which significantly diminishes their three-quarter line and lineout.
Bracing for the challenge up front, McKenzie has returned Wallabies No.8 Radike Samo into the same beefed-up back-row which upset the Stormers 19-6 in Cape Town last year.
“The Stormers like to physically impose themselves on matches so we’re matching fire with fire with our selection,” the coach said.
Justin
Guest
He did his knee you pickle.
STU
Guest
GARY,you were right ,a huge gamble which didnt work because the lad was not up to it.and guru mckenzie stuffs another ten after murphy,which was made worse by the 5/2 bench. mckenzie the dumb cluck coach.lucky the stormers best players were injured;so much for home ground advantage too. lets hope mckenzie becomes the CEO and forgets being coaching director which is an excuse for failure when wallaby role is on the table.
Gary Russell-Sharam
Guest
A bit of a gamble but who's to say it won't work. As I have posted before if he is as good as his dad he won't let the Reds down. I like Harris at inside centre anyway he adds something there and with Taps outside him they don't look half bad. I would still like to have seen Digby on the wing to feel a bit more confident. And I would go with Holmes to start in the front row with Daley on just after half time.
Lynchy
Guest
Agreed, he di d look good, and Harris will add value inside - still think Lucas is better off the bench - and we just need "the Fro " to go hard for 60 mins and we can unleash the bench - shd be a cracker - and possibly wet - so penaltie and points will play a big part...
formeropenside
Guest
Roll on tonight. I'd have been tempted to start Lucas at 10 - or maybe 15 - but Lane looked pretty good last week.