'He’s a legend': The Bok who is trying to force his way back into contention

SPOTLIGHT: Two-time World Cup-winning Springbok centre Lukhanyo Am will likely view his outing for South Africa ‘A’ against the Zimbabwe Sables on Saturday as the beginning of his bid to force his way back into Bok contention.

Am, who missed out on international rugby in 2025 due to injury, has galvanised himself over the past six months and is now determined to return to his best in green and gold.

His move from the Sharks to Japanese outfit Mitsubishi Dynaboars last November appears to have played a key role, with the change of environment seemingly revitalising the 32-year-old.

On the eye, he looks fitter, mentally sharper, and if the flashes of brilliance he has shown in Japan are anything to go by, then Am looks ready to reignite the spark that once made him one of the world’s best centres.

The last time he featured on the international stage was in November of 2024 when the Boks defeated England 29-20 at Twickenham.

His SA ‘A’ selection should serve as reassurance that he remains firmly in Rassie Erasmus’s plans, even with Damian de Allende, André Esterhuizen and Jesse Kriel ahead of him in the pecking order.

Despite talks about playing his way back into the Bok fold, Am will have his focus on Zimbabwe this weekend, where he is expected to make an impact alongside Markus Muller in a youthful and exciting backline.

Apart from Muller, he will be playing with rookies, Zekhethelo Siyaya, Yaqeen Ahmed, Jaco Williams and Luan Giliomee, all of whom are familiar with each other.

Am’s experience of 42 Test caps will be key in guiding the backline, and SA ‘A’ teammate Giliomee has highlighted the influence the Springbok centre has had during their preparations.

“Lukhanyo is a legend of the game,” Giliomee said when asked about the veteran centre.

“There is always something to learn from him, and this week we’ve learned a lot. Stuff like handling the pressure, what to do where, and I feel like he’s going to be good on Saturday.

“He’s always someone to turn to when you don’t know something or when the pressure is high.

“You can just ask him for his advice; obviously, he’s been there and operated on the world’s highest stage. It’s so nice to turn to him and ask him what to do and what he thinks.

“It’s such a privilege to play alongside him because he’s a rock to stand on when something goes wrong.”

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The 32-year-old occasionally wore the No.13 jersey when paired with Damian de Allende in the Springbok midfield in the past.

However, he played 12 during his formative years, and at the Sharks, a position where he can better assert himself and showcase his skill set.

During the week, SA ‘A’ head coach, Mzwandile Stick, explained the decision to play him at 12 and Muller at 13, saying it has been a plan in motion for over a year.

“I’ll be honest about it, since Tony joined us in 2024, one of his first messages was that he’d love to see Lukhanyo at 12,” said Stick.

“Even when Lukhanyo was with us last year, he was always running at 12, but we couldn’t get the opportunity to play him because we had guys like Damian de Allende and André Esterhuizen.

“We looked at the players at the moment and had discussions around who had the best profile for 12.

“With his experience, it was a great opportunity for Lukhanyo to take the lead there. He’s also vice-captain, and it’s good to see him in good shape.

“He’s been a season campaigner for his team in Japan, and hopefully injuries can stay away from him.”