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Durban - Former Springbok flyhalf Butch James believes Pat Lambie has shown impressive form in the No 10 jersey during the European Tour.
Lambie has worked his way to the top of the flyhalf pecking order during the November Tests.
While Handre Pollard was seen as the first-choice No 10 after doing well during the Rugby Championship, Lambie has started in the Test wins over England and Italy, and will start again against Wales in Cardiff on Saturday.
James backed head coach Heyneke Meyer's call to retain Lambie in the run-on side.
"Pat's doing very well at the moment," James told MyPlayers.co.za. "He hasn't played much since Super Rugby, so it's great to see him getting a proper opportunity in the Springbok squad. He's making the most of his opportunities, so let's see how he continues to perform.
"The flyhalf depth in the Springbok squad is very healthy at the moment. We have talented No 10s to select."
James added that the Springboks have done well to bounce back following the disappointing loss to Ireland.
"Overall, the Springboks have done very well. I think it's taken for granted how difficult it is to play in Europe, especially against the teams that are used to those tough conditions. Playing away is a huge challenge.
"The Springboks are creating many chances, and are putting themselves into positive positions. There's a lot to be excited about."
Saturday’s Test kicks off at 16:30 (SA time).
Teams:
Wales:
15 Leigh Halfpenny, 14 Alex Cuthbert, 13 Jonathan Davies, 12 Jamie Roberts, 11 Liam Williams, 10 Dan Biggar, 9 Rhys Webb, 8 Taulupe Faletau, 7 Sam Warburton (captain), 6 Dan Lydiate, 5 Alun Wyn Jones, 4 Jake Ball, 3 Samson Lee, 2 Scott Baldwin, 1 Gethin Jenkins
Substitutes: 16 Emyr Phillips, 17 Aaron Jarvis, 18 Rhodri Jones, 19 Luke Charteris, 20 James King, 21 Mike Phillips, 22 Rhys Priestland, 23 Scott Williams
South Africa:
15 Willie le Roux, 14 Cornal Hendricks, 13 Jan Serfontein, 12 Jean de Villiers (captain), 11 Lwazi Mvovo, 10 Pat Lambie, 9 Cobus Reinach, 8 Duane Vermeulen, 7 Teboho “Oupa” Mohoje, 6 Marcell Coetzee, 5 Victor Matfield, 4 Eben Etzebeth, 3 Coenie Oosthuizen, 2 Bismarck du Plessis, 1 Tendai Mtawarira
Substitutes: 16 Adriaan Strauss, 17 Trevor Nyakane, 18 Julian
Redelinghuys, 19 Lood de Jager, 20 Nizaam Carr, 21 Francois Hougaard, 22
Handré Pollard, 23 Damian de Allende
