Powell on burgeoning Am-Janse van Rensburg centre partnership: 'They're finding each other'

Springboks Lukhanyo Am and Rohan Janse van Rensburg’s bourgeoning midfield partnership has impressed Sharks director of rugby Neil Powell following their stunning victory over the Bulls at Kings Park on Saturday.

Van Rensburg scored two tries of the five that the Sharks put past the Bulls to secure a 47-20 bonus-point win that propelled them up to fifth on the United Rugby Championship (URC) log.

The Sharks recently welcomed Am back from knee surgery, while Janse van Rensburg returned from a three-match suspension following a red card against Leinster earlier this season.

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Fellow new recruit Francois Venter’s injury away in Bordeaux during the Champions Cup allowed Janse van Rensburg to slot back into midfield, where he’s thrived alongside the accomplished World Cup-winning Bok.

"The two of them had two good performances in a row," said Powell.

"They are starting to find each other and to feed off each other. But this competition is so long and there are so many matches, especially with the [Champions Cup] games in between as well, that you’ll have to manage your squad well.

"We’ve still got another two or three centres in Ben Tapuai, Francois Venter and Murray Koster.

"So, it’s really important to manage them well to have them fresh and ready when it comes to the knockout stages in April and May."

The Sharks displayed their array of superstars in the match as Boks Bongi Mbonambi, Eben Etzebeth, Ox Nche, Grant Williams, Curwin Bosch and Siya Kolisi put on a show.

Makazole Mapimpi was also at his industrious best, although he could not add to his try-scoring tally.

Powell said it was important to manage the galaxy of stars at his disposal as his