Du Preez: I would have picked Am for Boks

Cape Town - Sharks coach Robert du Preez says he would have picked centre Lukhanyo Am in the Springbok Rugby Championship squad. 

Am, along with Lions wing Ruan Combrinck, was one of the more controversial omissions from Allister Coetzee's squad ahead of next weekend's tournament opener against Argentina in Port Elizabeth. 

The 23-year-old was one of the shining lights for the Sharks this Super Rugby season, and his versatility means that he can play at both No 12 and No 13. 

Du Preez agreed that he was shocked to see Am ignored.

"He's a fantastic 12 and 13 and certainly a guy that will be up for higher honours soon," said the coach.

"I certainly would have selected him ... I would be happy if he goes to the Boks."

Du Preez was speaking on Wednesday after the Sharks secured a 28-20 win over the Blue Bulls at Loftus on Wednesday. 

It is a result that has seen the Durbanites move up to second on the Currie Cup standings. 

"I'm proud of the boys and the guts they showed out there tonight," Du Preez added.  

"We did miss 40-odd tackles, so that wasn't great. That started with our bad exits, so that's something we're going to have to work on.

"I thought we played really good rugby at times and went through the phases, but there were just one or two offloads that didn't go to hand, I'm very pleased with our intent on attack."

The Sharks will now travel to Ellis Park for a clash against the Golden Lions on Saturday.