Sharks coach explains Lukhanyo Am's switch to No.12

REACTION: Sharks head coach Sean Everitt has explained Lukhanyo Am’s positional switch for their United Rugby Championship clash against the Bulls in Durban on Friday.

Am has established himself as one of the world’s best players in the No.13 jersey over the last few seasons.

However, he will be in the No.12 jersey on Friday as Everitt is still in a phase of testing different combinations in his Sharks squad.

“We just felt that Jeremy [Ward] has played his best rugby at 13,” Everitt explained during his team announcement on Thursday.

“I have coached Lukhanyo before and he did a really good job for us in the Currie Cup in 2017 at inside centre.

“I just want to have a look at that combination. Am does bring playmaking ability in that position and he does lead the defence in the team.

“It is great that he can lead it from inside centre.”

Story continues below…

#TeamAnnouncement: The Sharks are loaded with Boks for their clash against the Bulls. #URC #SHAvBUL https://t.co/0WPOoqDThI

— rugby365.com (@rugby365com) December 2, 2021

Where’s Fassi?

Meanwhile, a number of key players were not available for selection this week due to undisclosed reasons.

They include Aphelele Fassi, Retshegofaditswe Nché, Curwin Bosch, Grant Williams and Dylan Richardson.

The 23-year-old Fassi has had limited game time over the last few months with the Springboks and fans have been questioning his absence from the teamsheet for Friday’s clash.

“Aphelele showed some rustiness against the Cheetahs when we played them in Bloemfontein a couple of weeks ago and that is normal because he hasn’t played rugby for so long,” said Everitt.

“He only had the two Test matches [Georgia and Argentina] since he has been away, so he is a loss because he does add some flair to the back three.

“Anthony Volmink has been in good form for the Sharks and we hope that he can continue with that form again tomorrow [Friday].”