LONDON – Former Springbok and Stormers loose forward Nizaam Carr believes he can begin to rediscover his best form with English club Wasps after recovering from a troublesome injury.
The 27-year-old, who has been capped five times for the Bok, scored four tries in 11 appearances for Wasps when he filled in for three months as injury cover last season.
It was a sequence of performances that saw 'Nemo' quickly establish himself as a fan favourite, and although he did return to the Stormers for the 2018 Super Rugby season, he then sealed a permanent move to Wasps.
However, so far this season Carr has struggled to find the same form that he displayed during his loan spell, with the loose forward having admittedly struggled with a shoulder injury that has also kept him out of action.
"I carried a knock into the season from the Stormers coming from Cape Town," he recently explained. "It was something I was struggling with the whole time, during training as well. I'd get a knock and it puts me two or three days back and my confidence that wasn't good.
"I haven't started the way I would've loved," he added honestly.
The Stormers Nizaam Carr (right) in action against Japan's Sunwolves at Mongkok Stadium, Hong Kong earlier this year. Photo: EPA/Jerome Favre
While the Wasps have battled with inconsistency after bidding farewell to influential playmaker Danny Cipriani in the off-season, they still remain in fourth position on the English Premiership standings.
Carr recently made a return to action and reiterated his determination to continue driving Wasps in the right direction.
"Today was the first time I felt really confident with my shoulder," Carr commented after last Saturday's loss against Saracens. "I feel no pain after the game. I can build on today's performance which is special for me."
The 27-year-old said that he had full faith in the quality of the Wasps team that has also recently welcomed the return of star fullback Willie le Roux.
"There are key players in the team and if those players perform well everyone gets energy throughout the team. I want to be better, as a key player.
"I came to Wasps for the attacking side of rugby and lately we've just been on the defence the whole time. It will come for us. We've just got to keep working."
As at the Stormers, Nizaam Carr has endeared himself with the Wasps fans. Photo: Ryan Wilkisky/BackpagePix
Carr has also featured in all three positions across the back row, and he hopes to begin settling in one spot.
"Every week you are playing with different guys," he commented. "I have played seven or eight games and played with different guys, I'd play 6, 7 or 8 so you can't really settle in one position.
"There are so many injuries this year. But that's no excuse. It's a good opportunity and I think it's healthy with boys coming in and taking their chances.
"We need to find consistency. Whether the boys are in or out. We are professionals, we get paid to do it so we have to do it."