Lukhanyo Am and the Sharks eager to turn season around on European stage

The Durban-based outfit are set to face Clermont Auvergne in a highly anticipated knock-out clash at Twickenham Stoop on Saturday and if they manage to beat their French opponents and go on to win the final - against either Gloucester or Benetton - it will represent a remarkable turnaround from their early-season doldrums.

Sharks captain and outside centre Lukhanyo Am admitted that lifting the Challenge Cup as champions would be like they had redeemed themselves after they delivered a poor campaign in the URC, where they currently occupy 13th position in the 16-team competition.

"Yes, definitely," said Am when he was asked if he believed that winning the Challenge Cup - and thereby qualifying for next season's Champions Cup - would make it a good season.

"You want to win a trophy in any season and I think we've grown as a group from where we started to now. With the new coaching staff and players that have come in, it's a first season for us as a group together. We are happy with where we are now, although we had ambitions to do well in both series."

Beating Clermont and a win in the Challenge Cup final will mean the Sharks will become the first South African side that will qualify for next season's Champions Cup - a remarkable achievement considering that they won just four of their 15 matches so far this season.

Getting the job done against Clermont will not be an easy task as the Top 14 outfit have a rich pedigree as they have already been crowned Challenge Cup champions on three previous occasions.

Double World Cup winner Am is wary of the opposition especially his direct opponent, Tonga and former All Blacks centre George Moala.

"Moala has established himself as a quality player over the years," said Am.

"From our perspective, it comes down to doing our homework so that we know what to expect from them and also have knowledge of their strengths and weaknesses.

"We do not design plans specifically for individuals. We believe in our systems and structures. Each individual must arrive with the right mindset."

Am revealed that the Sharks have put in plenty of effort with their preparations as they aim to finish the season on a high.

"We have done a lot to get ourselves in the best possible position," added the 30-year-old. "When you get into the dressing room before kick-off, you draw your confidence from the preparation you did in advance during the week.

"Currently we are working hard so that there is no doubt when we run on the pitch. You have to go in with confidence."

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