Am backs Sharks' Bok reinforcements

SHARKS midfielder Lukhanyo Am feels the return of the likes of Springboks Ethan Hooker and Makazole Mapimpi should offer protection against the aerial bombardment that is a key part of Leinster's attacking arsenal.

- ROWAN CALLAGHAN

The Durban side will face the reigning United Rugby Championship champions in the third round at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin, with both teams still searching for a first win of the campaign.

"We're really excited about this game. Leinster coming from tour, their first game at home, and with British & Irish Lions joining them, and we've also had a boost from some of the Springbok guys who will be joining us, so we really want to finish the tour on a high, and we're really looking forward to this game," Am said in an online media briefing on Tuesday afternoon.

Leinster took to the skies often in Saturday's defeat against the Bulls at Loftus and should once again rely heavily on their tactical kicking game when they return to their home fortress.