Lukhanyo Am said the embattled Sharks are feeding off the energy of their World Cup-winning Springboks, despite news that Bongi Mbonambi has undergone surgery.
The Sharks on Tuesday confirmed in a media conference that Mbonambi, who injured his knee in the World Cup final in October, will be ruled out for up to six months after going under the knife.
Bok prop Vincent Koch already faces three months on the sidelines, but fellow double World Cup winner Am returned for the Sharks in a narrow defeat to Connacht in Durban last week, and has been joined at training by Eben Etzebeth, Ox Nche, Makazole Mapimpi, Grant Williams and Jaden Hendrikse.
John Plumtree’s men extended their winless run in the Vodacom URC to five with a 13-12 reverse at Kings Park to remain bottom of the log, ahead of a clash against Dragons on Saturday.
Addressing his comeback as well as the struggles of the Sharks, Am told reporters: “Coming back from national duties, rejoining the boys with so much energy, it’s been really good. For me, playing my first game after a long-term injury, was such a bonus.
“It was never a lack of leadership at any stage; how we wanted to play and how we wanted to grow was what we focused on as a group the most.
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“I think once we get the individuals to sharpen up and be able to execute the style of play we want to play from week in, week out, we’ll be very dangerous.
“It’s still only the beginning of the season so we still have quite some time to sharpen up things, to catch up. It’s happened in the past with Munster, the Stormers… it’s still early for us to throw the kitchen sink.”
“We’re definitely working towards something bigger than us and looking forward to the rest of the season,” the outside centre said.
“We are going in the right direction and it’s about time we get the results because we are a learning team, and a growing team, and it’s another one at home this weekend.
“We’ve got certain players back from national duties in terms of prep and showing off their experiences to the group, and I’m looking forward to this game.”
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Attack coach Dave Williams, who hinted that more returning Boks could feature this weekend, added: “We’ve used this week with the Sharks players returning from the World Cup to celebrate their achievements with them, and brought a huge amount of energy with them to the organisation.
“In terms of players available for selection, anyone who is fit is available for selection and that will obviously be named later in the week.
“We’ve spoken as a group around evolving our game and building pressure with the ball and through our transition game, and we’re seeing rewards in terms of making line breaks.
“But the focus is about getting those conversions on the back of good rugby. There’s a real excitement to take the rewards that our game is creating for us.”
On the loss of Mbonambi, Williams said: “Bongi is a quality operator coming on the back of a World Cup win, and much loved here at the franchise.
“Being in the franchise once he’s back from his op he can add value off field and culturally what he brings.”
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