Injuries have taken their toll on the 31-year-old in recent years, so much so that for now it appears he is out of the running for the number 13 jersey with Jesse Kriel and Canan Moodie preferred in the Rugby Championship.
He won the last of his 42 caps on the Springboks' Autumn International series tour in 2024.
Am is determined to win his place back though and prove his fitness and return to form with the Sharks in the United Rugby Championship, starting with a tough away day at defending champions Leinster in Dublin on Saturday.
“Injuries are part of this game, but it was tough,” Am said of his spell watching the Springboks from the outside. “You have to spend time working on yourself and make sure you come back in stronger shape. I know what it takes to be there (the Springboks squad) and stay there.
“At the moment, I know where I’m at, and there’s work that still needs to be done. That’s what I’m focusing on now.
“I’m really happy with where I’m at, especially coming back from injury. I’ve got two solid games under my belt, even though I know it’s still the start of the season. It’s important to get the match-fitness under the belt because once the rustiness goes, that’s when you push quality performances.”
Am knows that the only way to force his a return to the Springbok fold is to perform consistently for the Sharks, and he was impressed with coach Rassie Erasmus’ side as they retained the Rugby Championship last weekend.
“It’s been beautiful to watch, and it’s been amazing seeing the boys bouncing back and playing good rugby,” Am said. “Being back in the Bok mix will definitely take game-time because the Boks are the best in the world and it’s very competitive out there.
“It’s a different level, so one has to be through and real with knowing what it takes to get and stay there.”
The Sharks will have returning Springboks in the form of wing Makazole Mapimpi and utility back Ethan Hooker available for action against Leinster.
“They’re very crucial to our team. They’re quality players; they’ll fit in perfectly for us,” Am said. “That kicking game that you have, which is mostly contestable, they’ve been doing it for us in past seasons, they’ve been doing it at Springbok level, so having them in the squad will definitely help us.”
The Sharks have been a little underwhelming in their two games on tour to date, a 35-19 loss to the Glasgow Warriors and a 17-17 draw with the Welsh side Dragons. Leinster will be a step up on those two.
“We’re really excited about this game,” Am said. “Leinster coming from their tour (to South Africa), their first game at home, and with British & Irish Lions joining them.
“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.”