Lukhanyo Am is back in the Sharks’ no. 13 jersey and the Springbok backline star will attempt to get the Durbanites’ struggling United Rugby Championship campaign back on track.
The Sharks have not been able to win a single game in this year’s tournament, but a home game always provides a bit of forward momentum.
Am, who missed out on the Springboks’ initial World Cup squad due to injury, will be the home team’s center combination against the visiting Irish alongside captain Francois Venter.
Head coach John Plumtree knows that a tough battle awaits his players.
“Connacht is a steady team and we will have to be at our best. Hopefully our energy levels are high for our first home game.”
In Am he has a match winner who can dish out his best game when his teammates need him the most.
For example, his light shone brightest when the Springboks lost to the All Blacks at Ellis Park in 2022 and he was later included in World Rugby’s team of the year.
The Sharks’ clash against Connacht starts at 17:00 on Saturday and the action will be broadcast live on SuperSport.
Sharks: Aphelele Fassi (full back), Werner Kok (right wing), Lukhanyo Am (outside centre), Francois Venter (captain and inside centre), Aphiwe Dyantyi (left wing), Curwin Bosch (fly-half), Cameron Wright (scrum-half), Sikhumbuzo Notshe (eighth man), Phepsi Buthelezi (flank), James Venter (flank), Emile van Heerden (lock), Corné Rahl (lock), Coenie Oosthuizen (prop), Dylan Richardson (hook) and Ntuthuko Mchunu (prop). Substitutes: Dan Jooste, Dian Bleuler, Hanro Jacobs, Jeandré Labuschagne, Tinotenta Mavesere, Zee Mkhabela, Boeta Chamberlain and Rohan Janse van Rensburg.
