Pat Lambie has cooled fears he is not ready for the rigours of Test rugby, with Sharks coach John Plumtree believing his call-up may be too soon.

20-year-old Lambie scored 25 points last week when the Sharks beat Western Province to lift the Currie Cup and was still celebrating when his name was included among 13 Springbok backs for the 'grand slam' challenge.

But New Zealand-born coach Plumtree has spoken of his mixed feelings about the player's elevation from domestic rugby up to the Boks.

"I do not think it is necessary for him to tour this month. A good Super 15 campaign next year will grow his confidence," remarked a coach renowned for his straight talking.

"This end-of-year tour might not be the happiest and I would hate to see him take a knock, but if the Springboks decide to blood some youngsters and Patrick is among them, good on him."

As Lambie prepared in hot Johannesburg with a 30-strong squad chosen after injuries ruled out 13 Springboks, including captain and hooker John Smit, he had no doubts about his readiness to face Ireland, Wales, Scotland or England.

"I do not think I am too young. If you are good enough you are old enough to use the well-worn cliche," he said, echoing the words of 1995 South Africa World Cup-winning fly-half Joel Stransky.

"Patrick never gets flustered nor panics. There is no hint of alarm about his play. He has brilliant skills, a kicking game, tackles very well and, most important, possesses a wonderful temperament," was the Stransky verdict.

The rising star who can play full-back, centre or fly-half insisted: "I had eight games in the Super 14 and played the entire Currie Cup so I think I am ready."

While veteran South Africa wing and 2007 World Player of the Year Bryan Habana labelled Lambie "wonderkid" during training at a suburban high school, Lambie has no illusions ahead of the Test against Ireland in Dublin Saturday.

"I will help where I can against the Irish, whether it is on the field or supporting from the sideline. I am taking this wonderful experience one day at a time and enjoying the opportunity," he told reporters.

"We are all friends here while (kicking coach) Percy Montgomery helped me a lot with my striking of the ball from the tee," added the second highest points scorer in the Currie Cup this season.

Lambie may be an international rookie but is highly regarded with respected Johannesburg newspaper Business Day predicting he will displace first-choice Springbok fly-half Morne Steyn by the end of the tour.

The son of a former Shark whose career was cut short by a knee injury, Lambie also excelled at cricket but has no doubt which sport comes first, telling reporters he loves the 11-a-side game but rugby is his passion.

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