Lukhanyo Am believes there is plenty for the Hollywoodbets Sharks to look forward to yet this season ahead of their round three URC clash against Leinster in Dublin on Saturday.
Both sides remain winless this term, with the touring Durbanites having fallen at Glasgow Warriors in their opener before drawing 17-all with Dragons in Newport last week, while Leinster arrive home from their South African trip following defeats to the Stormers and Bulls.
With Sharks coach John Plumtree having had to field relatively inexperienced and under-strength matchday squads in their first two matches, it hasn’t been all plain sailing but the experienced Am believes much good will come from these early-season growing pains.
“[I’ve been] really impressed with the young blood coming through, building out from the Currie Cup and [then going] straight on tour, guys showing such grit in the past two games,” said the midfielder.
“At the beginning of the season there is so much potential, or space and time to grow, and with us having a couple of injuries and [players away] with the Boks, making it work with the young guys has been really good. Complements to the coach as well giving guys opportunities at this stage to prove themselves.
“It’s the last game on tour and we’re facing a quality side, the champs, and it’s one game that everyone is looking forward to playing. We’ve got a lot to prove.”
With two home clashes at Hollywoodbets Kings Park set to follow this weekend’s challenge at the Aviva Stadium, Am reckons the side’s fortunes will only improve.
“It’s such a great opportunity for the young blood getting exposed to these type of games, and it’s still the beginning of the season so we can really grow from here. I think [once] the rest of the squad – the Sharks’ Springboks – join us again, playing at home, we will definitely have a boost going for the rest of the season.”
Looking immediately ahead to Saturday, the return to the Sharks’ squad of Rugby Championship-winners Ethan Hooker and Makazole Mapimpi has been another big positive according to the 31-year-old, especially with several British & Irish Lions set to return for Leinster.
“They’ll fit in perfectly for us, the kicking game that we have, which is mostly contestables, they’ve been doing it for us the past seasons and at Springbok level.
“Having them in the squad will definitely help us.”
Commenting on his own Bok future, the injury-plagued 42-Test capped centre, who has been absent from the international arena this season, says it will take more time on the pitch for him to work his way back into the national set-up.
“Injuries are part of the challenges that come with this game that we love and being out was tough, but also working on yourself and making sure that you’re coming back in a stronger and better position – in a better way – is mostly the kind of thing that you focus on.
“That’s what I did, focusing on myself. Being back in the Boks mix will definitely take game time, it will take form. The Springboks are the best in the world and it’s very competitive up there. It’s a different stage, a different level, so you’ve got to be true and real. I know what it takes to be there, so I just need to work on myself and my game and hopefully I’ll get that call again.”
