Sharks getting some extra bite back
INJURY UPDATE: The Sharks have returned from their bye a fitter and healthier squad.
Top of the list of ‘good news reports’ is that captain Lukhanyo Am is back in training.
Am suffered a hand injury in the latter stages of the Super Rugby Unlocked leg of the revamped domestic competition and has been sidelined since the beginning of November.
He looks set to lead the team out when they host the table-topping Bulls in a Currie Cup crunch match in Durban on Saturday.
Am’s return is accompanied by news that a host of players who were in COVID-19-enforced isolation has returned negative tests and are also in line for a recall.
Among those back from isolation are Henco Venter, James Venter, Phepsi Buthelezi, Sikhumbuzo Notshe and Celimpilo Gumede.
The situation around the front row – which caused their Super Rugby Unlocked Round Seven encounter with the Stormers on November 21 to be cancelled – has also improved dramatically.
#OurSharks bringing the heat ahead of this Saturday’s game 🔥#OurSharksForever pic.twitter.com/akp6ubK8Dk
— The Sharks (@TheSharksZA) December 8, 2020
With Springbok Thomas du Toit having returned from injury for their Currie Cup Round One win over the Pumas at the end of last month, the tighthead stock have been further boosted with John-Hubert Meyer and Michael Kumbirai returning negative COVID-19 tests.
The second-placed Sharks are eight points behind the Bulls, with a game in hand.
However, they will need to win this week if their hope to challenge their Pretoria rivals for top spot and the chance to host the Final on January 23.
In their Unlocked match in Pretoria back in October the Bulls smashed the Sharks 41-14.
The only real difference between the two teams from their previous encounter is the departure of Bulls hard man Jason Jenkins – with the lock having return to his Japanese club Verblitz, after a loan spell in Pretoria.
Coming up in Sharkbite TV, we look back at a special time in KZN rugby history with rugby legends Craig Jamieson & Dick Muir, coach Sean Everitt & Centre Jeremy Ward looks ahead to the Carling Currie Cup season and we welcome back a valued sponsor to the team. All this and more. pic.twitter.com/VeD6NDjm05
— The Sharks (@TheSharksZA) December 6, 2020
