HE has been a bystander so far in this international season, but Lukhanyo Am is licking his lips at what he has seen of the attacking nuances that Tony Brown is introducing to the Springboks.
The outside centre last played for the Boks against Argentina in August last year, and makes his comeback from a series of injuries in Saturday’s encounter with Portugal in Bloemfontein.
Am will partner his old Sharks teammate André Esterhuizen in the midfield, and he is pumped up to show that he still has what it takes on the international stage, and that he is ideal for the approach of attack coach Brown.
“The Boks are going in the right direction. We have always been aware of the need to evolve because the game keeps changing,” the 30-year-old said yesterday.
“I believe we have picked the right path, and are still mastering coach Tony’s style of play. There is a lot of growth ahead of us in the attacking game, and I can’t wait to be involved for the first time.”
Am pointed out that the Boks are only three games down the line under New Zealander Brown.
“It will click at some point,” he said.
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“The alignment camps gave us an intro into the new style, but it needs action on the field before we establish cohesion.
“When we do gel, we will be a dangerous attacking team.”
Am missed out on initial World Cup selection because of a knee injury, and not long into his comeback this season for the Sharks he picked up a shoulder issue.
“I have had my ups and downs with injuries over the past 24 months,” Am said. “So, I’m delighted to be back in the group and getting the opportunity to play again.
“It felt very cool to join the boys again in the training camp, and catch up with the new coaching staff and the game-plan that we want to play.”
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He has had to watch his friend Jesse Kriel lay serious claim to the No 13 jersey Am wore on 36 occasions, but he genuinely doesn’t seem to mind.
“Injuries do happen. My being here is a good sign that I’ve tried my best to get the opportunity to be called up again. I have worked hard, and can’t wait to wear the green-and-gold jersey again.
“Jesse has been great for the Boks. The one thing we’ve managed to do well in this squad is have healthy competition and depth,” Am said.
“It keeps you accountable for bringing your A-game all the time, making sure you do your prep correctly and being the best version of yourself, in training and on game-day.
“So, it’s really good for individuals and the team.”
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Am has rejoined a squad that has a raft of new youngsters. He says it is good for the soul.
“The nice thing about having fresh blood in the squad is the renewed energy and buzz.
“But we are not just a new group in terms of some personnel changes – there is also newness in terms of the changes in how we want to play. There are some new structures, and that brings excitement.”
Meanwhile, the majority of the Springboks who did duty against Ireland have been given a vacation by coach Rassie Erasmus, who has reduced his squad from 41 to 25 players for Saturday’s Test.
The players released are Siya Kolisi, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Marco van Staden, Kwagga Smith, Jasper Wiese, Eben Etzebeth, Vincent Koch, Frans Malherbe, Gerhard Steenekamp, Bongi Mbonambi, Malcolm Marx, Willie le Roux, Cheslin Kolbe, Faf de Klerk, Handré Pollard and Kriel.
Damian de Allende was excused from the preparations in Bloemfontein for personal reasons, and Franco Mostert did not attend because of his serious leg injury.
The two players providing cover for the Portugal clash are prop Ox Nche and utility back Grant Williams.
“We have a demanding Rugby Championship campaign coming up, and we’ve been in training camps and competition respectively since June, so we thought it would be beneficial to give the players who are not playing this weekend a proper break to regenerate,” said Erasmus.