Simelane adds some spice to midfield competition

SPOTLIGHT: Springbok centre Lukhanyo Am had nothing but praise for Wandisile Simelane, as they began training together in the Springbok camp in Bloemfontein this week.

The uncapped Simelane is one of five midfielders in Bok coach Jacques Nienaber's squad and he will be looking to make a big impression among some more experienced campaigners - like Am, Jesse Kriel, Frans Steyn and Damian de Allende.

Am believes the 23-year-old Simelane has all the talent needed to make it at the international level.

"Wandi is a very talented player," Am told a virtual media briefing.

"I think we've seen it in Super Rugby, in the Currie Cup and in the Rainbow Cup.

"He is a very exciting player and he really backs himself.

"Working together as outside backs and as a group now, we tried to feed off each other and that is what we are doing, whether it is on attack or defence.

"We are all trying to improve and making sure that we are at our best level."

Am revealed that the Boks are trying to get the younger players in the squad to be more involved in bigger decisions on the field.

"The experienced that I gained at the Sharks [as captain] gave me so much confidence and I think the system that we have here [in the Bok camp] is player-driven.

"We try to minimise the gap between seniors and the so-called youngsters, so we all work together and we all support each other.

"Whether you are a junior or a senior, we are all pulling together in the same direction," he added.

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