VIDEO: Sharks rush Bok back for first home game
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Sharks coach John Plumtree wasted no time in drafting in a World Cup Springbok, as they look to end their winless start to the United Rugby Championship season.
Seasoned Springbok centre Lukhanyo Am has been selected for Saturday’s Round Five clash against Connacht at Kings Park in the team’s first home game of the season.
Am is the only player amongst the Springboks who has been released to return to action for the Sharks as the Durban side face their third Irish opponent in five weeks.
While he was ‘recalled’ to the Springbok World Cup squad, after having completed his rehabilitation from a knee injury suffered in the 24-13 World Cup warm-up victory win over Argentina in Buenos Aires on August 5, he did not play in any of the Test in the knock-out stages of the global showpiece.
Sharks Defence coach Joey Mongalo said Am trained with the Sharks previously, before his return to the Boks last month.
“Lukhanyo [Am] has been with us [Sharks URC squad] a bit longer than the other Springboks,” Mongalo said.
“He trained with us a couple of times [before returning to France],” he said, adding: “He is connected to what we are doing.
“He will add value on defence and attack.
“It is great to have a Springbok with his experience.”
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With Bongi Mbonambi (most likely the entire season) and Vincent Koch (three months) sidelined through knee injuries, any international experience will be invaluable top the team.
Other players not available for selection due to injury or suspension are Eduan Keyter, Francois Hougaard, George Cronje, Gerbrandt Grobler, Hyron Andrews, Kerron van Vuuren, Le Roux Roets, Muller du Plessis, Nevaldo Fleurs, Reniel Hugo and Vincent Tshituka.
Apart from Am, the most noteworthy selection is the return of Curwin Bosch at flyhalf, having recovered from a bout of concussion.
“It is comforting to have his kicking boots,” Mongalo said.
“He understands the stadium [Kings Park] incredibly well.”
Sharks: 15 Aphelele Fassi, 14 Werner Kok, 13 Lukhanyo Am, 12 Francois Venter (captain), 11 Aphiwe Dyantyi, 10 Curwin Bosch, 9 Cameron Wright, 8 Sikhumbuzo Notshe, 7 Phendulani Buthelezi, 6 James Venter, 5 Emile van Heerden, 4 Corne Rahl, 3 Coenie Oosthuizen, 2 Dylan Richardson, 1 Ntuthuko Mchunu.
Replacements: 16 Daniel Jooste, 17 Dian Bleuler, 18 Hanro Jacobs, 19 Jeandre Labuschagne, 20 Tinotenda Mavesere, 21 Zee Mkhabela, 22 Boeta Chamberlain, 23 Rohan Janse van Rensburg.
Date: Saturday, November 18
Venue: Kings Park, Durban
Kick-off: 17.00 (15.00 UK & Ireland time’ 15.00 GMT)
Referee: Craig Evans
Assistant referees: Morné Ferreira, Cwengile Jadezweni
TMO: Sean Brickell
