Lukhanyo Am puts ‘awkward’ injuries behind him to shine in new Springboks role, partnering ‘world-class’ star
Springboks midfielder Lukhanyo Am believes his switch to inside centre will be an easy one as he links up with the “world-class” Jesse Kriel against Australia in the Rugby Championship.
Am returns to the starting XV in one of 10 changes as he tajes the place of Damian de Allende who has been rested for the encounter.
This means that Am earns just his second Test cap of the year having lost his place as a regular starter in the squad after a troublesome run of injuries in recent few seasons.
Putting the injuries behind him
One of those injuries saw him fail to make an appearance at the World Cup, although he was called into the squad after Makazole Mapimpi’s withdrawal.
Saturday’s clash not only allows him the opportunity to reclaim starting minutes in the Springboks team but also the chance to prove himself in the 12 jersey for the first time having played all of his other Tests at 13 or off the bench.
Am says that he is happy with his current fitness, having overcome his injuries concerns that limited his involvement with the Sharks and Springboks.
“Injuries are part of the game and I have just been really unfortunate by picking up injuries at crucial times,” the 30-year-old said ahead of the Rugby Championship clash.
“The timing put me in a very awkward position with the Springboks and at the Sharks but I’m really happy where I am at currently and with my fitness.”
The Springboks have been fortunate to have two quality number 13s at their disposal in Am and Kriel in recent years with Canan Moodie also shining in the role while Ethan Hooker and Henco van Wyk look to be the stars of the future along with Moodie.
While Am and Kriel have been rivals for the 13 jersey in the past, the former is looking forward to the opportunity of playing alongside the latter as a centre combination.
“It’s going to be our first match running as 12 and 13 together in a match but in camp we have always worked together as centres whether it was the 12s or 13s,” Am said.
“My ability to switch between the two and have my understanding of 13 will definitely compliment both of our games – I’m really excited about it.
“Playing alongside a world-class and experienced player like Jesse is a really amazing opportunity.”
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Adjusting to 12
While Am will be donning the number 12 jersey for the first time for the Springboks, it is not an unfamiliar position for him as he started his career at inside centre.
Upon moving to the Sharks, he shifted out a channel where he earned a call-up to the Test team and looking ahead to his move back to 12, he is not too fussed about the positional switch but admitted that he would be bringing a different skill set to the role than De Allende.
“Obviously there is a bit of a difference but it is mostly from the set-piece where it is position-specific,” Am explained.
“When it is general play, kick counter and defence it is pretty similar to playing 13. The adjustment won’t be a big one, it’s just at the set-pieces.
“At the set-piece, Doogz [De Allende] is the guy who will create more momentum, straighten up the line and create space for the outside backs.
“But I’d say that’s only at the scrums and lineouts but again, in general play all of the backs’ roles are pretty similar.”
Competition for places and the new Springbok coaches
The addition of Tony Brown to the Springboks’ coaching staff has ignited South Africa’s attack; that paired with the amount of depth in the squad makes it an exciting time to be involved with the team.
“We are moving the ball more in attack, attacking more as a team and trying to identify where the space is,” he said.
“We give more threats to the defence with all these attacking options that we have and are trying to put into our gameplan.
“It is exciting times and we are in a good place as a squad, and with the new coaching staff boasting the squad in terms of new ideas and ways in which we can improve as a group
“The quality of depth in the group makes it a really great position to be in as it helps whoever is starting or on the bench at the weekend prepare.
“It’s a good space to be in as a squad and everyone understands their role and they just go out there to do what’s best for the team.”
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