Springboks bolster centre stocks by calling up 2019 World Cup winner following Makazole Mapimpi’s injury
Springbok team-mates and close friends Lukhanyo Am and Makazole Mapimpi.
The Springboks have added Lukhanyo Am to their Rugby World Cup squad as a replacement for Makazole Mapimpi, who has suffered a fractured cheekbone and eye socket.
Mapimpi sustained the injury during South Africa’s 49-18 win over Tonga, leaving the action in the first half after a head-on-head clash with Augustine Pulu.
His face was immediately swollen after the collision and the worst was confirmed soon after as Mapimpi‘s tournament has been ended during the pool stage.
Am called in
The Springboks have chosen to add another 2019 World Cup winner as his replacement, with Am having missed out on the initial squad due to a knee injury.
He joins fellow pre-tournament absentee Handre Pollard in now joining the side after the latter replaced the injured Malcolm Marx (hooker) two weeks ago.
Am will offer vital experience to the Boks midfield and his inclusion could mean Canan Moodie will cover wing more predominantly than he has thus far.
Moodie has been superb in the number 13 jersey this tournament but, with Mapimpi’s injury leaving South Africa short of wings, that might be his priority.
The Boks have done all they can in terms of qualifying for the quarter-finals, with the Ireland v Scotland meeting this weekend deciding the three sides’ fate.
The defending champions edged Scotland 18-3 in their opening game in Marseille, with further victories over Romania and Tonga, but were beaten by Ireland.
Pollard stars
South Africa fans will be warmed by the quality of replacement for the injured Mapimpi, much like they were when fly-half Pollard came in for Marx recently.
Pollard impressed in Sunday’s triumph against Tonga as he was 100% off the tee and controlled the contest nicely, despite such a long time out of the game.
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