Lukhanyo Am ‘can’t wait’ to tackle Springboks’ ‘evolving’ attacking structures
Lukhanyo Am is eager to hit the ground running in the new attacking shape.
Centre Lukhanyo Am believes the Springboks will be a “dangerous” attacking team when Tony Brown’s way clicks.
The World Cup-winning midfielder makes his return to the Green and Gold jumper this weekend against Portugal, earning his first cap since featuring against Argentina last year.
He sustained a knee injury in that clash against Los Pumas, which denied him the chance to feature at the 2023 World Cup despite earning a call-up following the injury to Makazole Mapimpi.
Return to the Springboks squad
The clash in Bloemfontein against Os Lobos is not only his first game back for the Boks but also marks the first time that he will feature in the new Brown-led attacking structures, which he is looking forward to.
“I’m really excited about the opportunity to be playing again this weekend,” the 30-year-old told reporters.
“I’ve really had my ups and downs over the past 24 months with the Springboks in terms of injuries, so I’m really delighted to be back in the group.
“Injuries are part of the game, they do happen and it’s just working hard and getting back to where you were. Me being back here, it’s such a good sign that at least I’ve tried my best and given myself the opportunity to be called up again, and I just can’t wait to be wearing the Green and Gold jersey again.”
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Am has watched his teammates tackle the new attacking structures in their opening three Tests of the year and while the side are still getting to grips with Brown’s plans, he believes it will come right.
“It’s been going the right direction,” he said.
“We’ve always trying to evolve our game because the game also keeps on evolving too but we are definitely on the right path.
“We are still trying to master the style of play and still want to grow in the attacking style of play, so with me having my first outing I’m really looking forward to being involved in the new attacking structure.”
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The attack will click
South Africa scored five tries in their opening game against Wales and three in the Test against Ireland in Pretoria before failing to cross the whitewash in the series decider in Durban.
While Am sees the positive signs, he believes that eventually it will all come together and the Boks will be a dangerous attacking team when it does.
“We’ve only played three games, it will click at some point, the alignment camps did kind of give us some form of an intro into it,” he explained.
“But it’s definitely something that’s going to need action on the field, a bit of cohesion and some time, but when gel and it clicks, we will definitely be a dangerous attacking team.”
Commenting on the starting backline against Portugal, he added: “As a group, we have been together, and it’s easy to just slot in anywhere in the backline.
“We are looking forward to playing coach Tony’s way, and we will adapt and try to execute whatever plans that come our way.”
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