Am relishing return of Bok teammates for Leinster clash

SQUAD UPDATE: Two Springbok stars have joined the Sharks’ squad ahead of their United Rugby Championship Round Three clash against Leinster.

Speedsters Makazole Mapimpi and Ethan Hooker joined their teammates in Dublin in a much-needed boost for the Durbanites.

The Sharks are currently without a win after a loss and a draw to open their season.

Their task doesn’t get any easier facing a Leinster outfit who returned to Ireland without a win in the Republic, going down to the Stormers and Bulls respectively.

Bok centre Lukhanyo Am commented on the return of the Bok duo and the value they will add to the side.

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“They’re crucial to our team. They’re quality players.

“They’ll slot in perfectly for us, especially around our kicking game, which consists mostly of contestable [kicks].

“They’ve been doing it for us last season and for the Boks.

“Having them in the squad will definitely help us.”

Leinster has been boosted by Jamie Osborne, who returned to training and could call on some experienced heads who were on duty for the British and Irish Lions against Australia in July.

The veteran Bok centre expressed his excitement for the upcoming match, where both teams will be desperate to get off the mark and claim their first win of the season.

He also touched on Leinster’s big names returning to their side.

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“We’re quite excited for this match,” Am said.

“Leinster are returning from their tour of South Africa for their first home match, and their British and Irish Lions [players] are joining them.

“Similarly, we received a boost from some of our Boks returning.

“We want to finish this tour on a high, and we’re looking forward to this game.”