As the Sharks gear up for their showdown against Leinster in Dublin this coming Saturday, Lukhanyo Am is not just playing for a win; he’s gunning for a rebirth into the Springbok squad. The center, a 2019 World Cup champion, didn't appear in the Boks' recent Rugby Championship triumph, and it’s safe to say the FOMO was real. Watching from the sidelines? Not where a player of his caliber belongs.
"Injuries are part of the game we love," Am stated, shedding light on his recent struggles. "Being out was tough, but I used the time to work on myself and come back stronger.
"Getting back into the Bok mix will take game time and form. It’s very competitive there, but I know what it takes. I just need to keep improving and hopefully I’ll get that call again."
With 42 Test caps to his name, Am is no stranger to the high stakes of international rugby, and he’s itching to add more.
Am’s motivation skyrocketed as he watched his teammates hoist the Rugby Championship trophy once again. "It’s been amazing to see the boys performing so well. I know what it takes to be there and to stay there, and I’m focused on doing the work that will get me back."
The Sharks have had a rocky start to their Vodacom URC season, with defeats and draws painting a less than stellar picture. However, the return of Springbok wingers Makazole Mapimpi and Ethan Hooker could be the tide that turns. Am believes these key players will significantly bolster the team’s performance, especially against a formidable Leinster team that’s also feeling the heat after consecutive losses in South Africa.
“Ethan and Makazole are crucial to our team,” Am highlighted. “They fit perfectly into our system, especially with our contestable kicking game. They’ve done it for us before and at Test level, so having them back is a big boost.”
Looking forward to the clash, Am expressed excitement about testing their mettle against the defending URC champions. "Leinster are the champions for a reason," he remarked. "Playing away from home is always tough, but it’s the kind of game that brings out the best in players. These are the games you want to play, to measure where you’re at individually and as a team. We’re putting pressure on ourselves to perform, but in a positive way – to make sure our processes are right and we deliver on game day."
The Sharks aim to swim not sink as they face off against Leinster, with Am and the returning Springbok wingers leading the charge. It’s more than just a game; it’s a proving ground for determination, skill, and perhaps, a ticket back into the green and gold for Am.
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As the Sharks gear up for their showdown against Leinster in Dublin this coming Saturday, Lukhanyo Am is not just playing for a win; he’s gunning for a rebirth into the Springbok squad. The center, a 2019 World Cup champion, didn't appear in the Boks' recent Rugby Championship triumph, and it’s safe to say the FOMO was real. Watching from the sidelines? Not where a player of his caliber belongs.
"Injuries are part of the game we love," Am stated, shedding light on his recent struggles. "Being out was tough, but I used the time to work on myself and come back stronger.
"Getting back into the Bok mix will take game time and form. It’s very competitive there, but I know what it takes. I just need to keep improving and hopefully I’ll get that call again."
With 42 Test caps to his name, Am is no stranger to the high stakes of international rugby, and he’s itching to add more.Am’s motivation skyrocketed as he watched his teammates hoist the Rugby Championship trophy once again. "It’s been amazing to see the boys performing so well. I know what it takes to be there and to stay there, and I’m focused on doing the work that will get me back."
The Sharks have had a rocky start to their Vodacom URC season, with defeats and draws painting a less than stellar picture. However, the return of Springbok wingers Makazole Mapimpi and Ethan Hooker could be the tide that turns. Am believes these key players will significantly bolster the team’s performance, especially against a formidable Leinster team that’s also feeling the heat after consecutive losses in South Africa.
“Ethan and Makazole are crucial to our team,” Am highlighted. “They fit perfectly into our system, especially with our contestable kicking game. They’ve done it for us before and at Test level, so having them back is a big boost.”
Looking forward to the clash, Am expressed excitement about testing their mettle against the defending URC champions. "Leinster are the champions for a reason," he remarked. "Playing away from home is always tough, but it’s the kind of game that brings out the best in players. These are the games you want to play, to measure where you’re at individually and as a team. We’re putting pressure on ourselves to perform, but in a positive way – to make sure our processes are right and we deliver on game day."
The Sharks aim to swim not sink as they face off against Leinster, with Am and the returning Springbok wingers leading the charge. It’s more than just a game; it’s a proving ground for determination, skill, and perhaps, a ticket back into the green and gold for Am.