Sharks hopeful over Lambie fitness

The Springbok fly-half has been missing since suffering a concussion during South Africa's opening Test with Ireland last month, Lambie colliding with opposition flanker CJ Stander.

In his absence the Sharks have put themselves in pole position to progress in this year's Super Rugby competition and know a win in Durban on Friday will secure their place after they beat the Cheetahs 26-10 on Saturday.

Sharks director of rugby Gary Gold hopes Lambie will be able to play some part in that encounter, enabling him to be back to full fitness when they begin the knockout stages.

"We are hoping that we will find that Pat is responding to the cognitive tests for concussion and will be cleared to play. He wasn't ready [to face the Cheetahs]," said Gold.

"Unfortunately, and I am sure Pat will agree with this, we have now reached a stage where Pat has been out for too long to be introduced straight back into the starting team.

"It is going to be imperative to get him to start exercising, which means getting onto a stationary bike, as soon as he is cleared to play.

"He is currently in his fourth week out, and so the best case scenario for us is that Pat will be available this week and then we can play him off the bench."