Rugby: Lambie named at first-five for Sharks

Sharks coach Jake White has sprung a minor surprise by naming Patrick Lambie (pictured) at first-five for his team's semifinal against the Crusaders. Photo / Getty Images.

Sharks coach Jake White has sprung a minor surprise by naming Patrick Lambie at first-five for his team's semifinal against the Crusaders in Christchurch tomorrow.

Lambie's inclusion forces Frans Steyn out one to second-five, where he will be marking Dan Carter.

In another change, lock Anton Bresler's knee injury suffered against the Highlanders last weekend means Willem Alberts moves to the second row, with Jean Deysel named at flanker. Deysel, on the bench in Durban last weekend, was red-carded for stamping on Jordan Taufua in Christchurch last time out.

"The Crusaders are a phenomenal team, we're under no illusions of how good they are and what they've achieved, but we just have to prepare as best we can to give ourselves a chance," said White.

"They have players in their team who won the Rugby World Cup a few years ago, they have guys who are consistently in play-off games, the team hasn't missed out on play-off rugby in a long time, and all these guys have been part and parcel of play-off games, so I have no doubt that with the team they have available and the experience they have, they'll be a massive force."

Sharks team to play the Crusaders at AMI Stadium tomorrow, kick-off 7.35pm is: SP Marais, JP Pietersen, Paul Jordaan, Frans Steyn, Lwazi Mvovo, Pat Lambie, Cobus Reinach, Ryan Kankowski, Jean Deysel, Marcell Coetzee, Stephan Lewies, Willem Alberts, Jannie du Plessis, Bismarck du Plessis (c), Thomas du Toit. Reserves: Kyle Cooper, Dale Chadwick, Lourens Adriaanse, Etienne Oosthuizen, Tera Mtembu, Charl McLeod, S'bura Sithole, Tonderai Chavhanga.

Crusaders: Israel Dagg, Kieron Fonotia, Ryan Crotty, Dan Carter, Nemani Nadolo, Colin Slade, Andy Ellis, Kieran Read (c), Matt Todd, Richie McCaw, Sam Whitelock, Dominic Bird, Owen Franks, Corey Flynn, Wyatt Crockett. Reserves: Ben Funnell, Joe Moody, Nepo Laulala, Jimmy Taufua, Willi Heinz, Tom Taylor, Johnny McNicholl.