A decade ago, Gianni Lombard was one of South Africa’s brightest young rugby talents, tipped for a glittering career in the Springbok jersey. A cruel succession of injuries, however, derailed his progress.
Now, at 28, the talented flyhalf has another opportunity to make his mark, with Sharks coach JP Pietersen backing him to turn his career around, starting with Friday night’s United Rugby Championship clash against Cardiff at the Arms Park.
Lombard joined the Sharks after struggling to secure a regular starting position at the Lions, but injuries to fellow flyhalves Vusi Moyo and Jordan Hendrikse have opened the door for him to stake his claim at No 10.
He impressed when replacing Moyo against the Stormers, and with Hendrikse injured again, Lombard will get another chance to show what he can do.
“It’s a big change at 10, but hopefully we can get settled at flyhalf,” Pietersen said.
“We had Vusi starting at 10 against the Stormers and Jordan starting against Lyon, and now we have Gianni.
“Vusi got injured in that Stormers game, and Jordan got injured against Lyon, so it does give Gianni an opportunity.
“He’s been training well, he’s applied himself, he’s leading well, speaking well in the group, and he’s got heaps of experience. He’s a gifted player, his fundamentals are good, and hopefully the team can help him.”
Lombard certainly has the pedigree. A product of Worcester in the Western Cape, he represented SA Schools in three matches in 2016 before playing 10 games for the Junior Springboks between 2017 and 2018.
Pietersen believes the flyhalf’s experience and understanding of the game could prove invaluable as he looks to rediscover his best form.
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“Unfortunately Gianni had a lot of injuries when he was at the Lions, but he’s got a lot of skill and knowledge of the game,” Pietersen said.
And when the Lions signed Chris Smith from the Bulls, Lombard knew it was time to move on.
“Hopefully the team can help him to be himself and play his game, and give himself something positive to take out of the match," Pietersen added.
Lombard will have no shortage of quality around him, with Springboks Jaden Hendrikse, Andre Esterhuizen, Ethan Hooker and Edwill van der Merwe all included in the Sharks starting XV.
Sharks team to play Cardiff
15 Zekhethelo Siyaya, 14 Edwill van der Merwe, 13 Jurenzo Julius, 12 Andre Esterhuizen, 11 Ethan Hooker, 10 Gianni Lombard, 9 Jaden Hendrikse, 8 Nick Hatton (captain), 7 Manu Tshituka, 6 Matt Romao, 5 Emile van Heerden, 4 Jason Jenkins, 3 Hanro Jacobs, 2 Eduan Swart, 1 Phatu Ganyane.
Replacements: 16 Ethan Bester, 17 Ox Nche, 18 Thomas du Toit, 19 Stephan Lewies, 20 Vincent Tshituka, 21 Ivan van Zyl, 22 Siya Masuku, 23 Jaco Williams.