Springboks address concerns over Lukhanyo Am’s lack of game time

The Springboks have moved to ease concerns over Lukhanyo Am’s lack of game time after the centre returned to the Rugby World Cup squad.

Am was called into the squad following the injury to winger Makazole Mapimpi and now looks set to battle it out for a place in the matchday 23.

The 2019 World Cup-winning centre rejoined the Bok squad on Wednesday, having initially missed the 33-man team due to an injury picked up against Argentina.

Since that clash against Los Pumas in early August, Am has not played any competitive rugby due to the knee injury, despite the Sharks currently featuring in pre-season friendlies.

Lukhanyo Am available for selection

Despite coming into the squad cold, assistant coach Felix Jones said that Am is in contention for South Africa’s potential quarter-final.

“Anyone in the squad is going to put their hand up for contention,” Jones told reporters.

“We’ll see how he rocks up and how he performs in training over the next two weeks.

“Lukhanyo will come in and definitely contend for a centre position. He’ll be considered just as much as anyone else.

“We’ll base a lot of it on what happens in training and also consider what’s gone on in the games prior to this.”

As mentioned above, Am was part of the 2019 World Cup squad and started the final against England four years ago.

He has been a mainstay in the starting line-up up until his injury, helping the side to a 2-1 series victory over the British and Irish Lions in 2021.

His proven pedigree at the highest level has also eased any of the coaching staff’s concerns.

“Luckily for us, Lukhanyo is quite an experienced player and has been a part of the group for many years now,” Jones added.

“I think probably everyone will agree that when Lukhanyo is at his best, he can slot into almost any team.

“It’s not that long since Lukhanyo was actually with us. I think the last game was Argentina away in Buenos Aires. That’s not that long ago; it’s only five or six test matches ago.

“Lukhanyo was actually involved in all of our alignment camps, all of our training sessions, up to the point of us pretty much leaving for the World Cup or the week or two before. He’ll be fully up to speed with how things are going here.”

Meanwhile, his club and country teammate Grant Williams welcomed the star centre’s return.

“Everyone enjoys Lukhanyo,” Williams said. “If you don’t enjoy Lukhanyo, then there’s something wrong with you.

“He’s an incredible leader at the Sharks and in the Springbok environment. We’re getting a quality player back.”

Handre Pollard’s return

Am is the second backline boost South Africa have received during the World Cup pool stages, with Handre Pollard making a successful return to Test rugby against Tonga.

The fly-half came in with Manie Libbok under pressure off the tee and put in an assured performance, which included four successful shots at goal from four attempts.

“It’s been great having Handre in,” Jones said.

“He’s given us another voice in the changing room, on the field, in the meeting room.

“It’s been a real pleasure having him back in; he’s just picked up exactly where he left off. It’s been great.”

Jones added that both Pollard and Libbok had the full backing of the coaches.

“We have full confidence in the lads, whoever is selected, or if both players end up being selected – on the field at the same time, one player coming off the bench, whatever the case may be – we have full confidence in them,” he said.

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