Popular squad member Lukhanyo Am was welcomed with open arms when he reunited with his Springbok teammates in Toulon but he may yet have to sidestep a firm palm for a place in the starting line-up in next week’s quarterfinals — should the team qualify.
Am, who was injured just before the Rugby World Cup squad was announced, is back but he lacks match fitness. “I’m fit. I’m cleared,” said Am.
“If I make the starting 23 I’d do the job for the team. I must make sure that I prepare well so that I can slot in. I worked really hard in terms of running and getting my fitness back up ... training at high intensity and high game demands. Training will never be the same as a game but I’m really confident, if it happens, that I’d be able to match up.”
Am’s return as well as that of flyhalf Handre Pollard — who played near flawlessly against Tonga, — and the burgeoning form of players in the wider group has given the Bok brains trust much to chew on. “The toughest thing for us as coaches is selecting the match 23,” said assistant coach Mzwandile Stick.
“Look at guys like André Esterhuizen and Canan Moodie who, when they’ve had opportunities, they grabbed them as a combination. But then a guy like Damian (de Allende) with all his experience, has done the job for us with Jesse (Kriel). De Allende has been struggling with a knee injury but is expected to be fit.
“And now we even have Handre back in the squad with Lukhanyo, it makes it even more difficult for us.”
Pollard is a bit further up the track in terms of operating at full tilt. Crucially too, he helps scratch the goal-kicking itch. “What you get from Handre is what you expect from him. He is very experienced. The question mark was always his fitness,” said Stick.
“The same goes for Lukhanyo. I don’t think it will be fair for him just to arrive straight in and play the game. I’m not saying we won’t consider him for play-off selection but this has been his first week back training with the team.”
Am, however, is a natural. The beat of the Boks’ rugby rhythms, and at times too the bounce of the ball, all comes naturally to him.
Stick concedes Am has returned seamlessly. “In training we have been surprised and impressed with him. He fits in so quickly as if he was never away. If things go well for us, a guy like Lukhanyo would be considered for the semifinal. Handre is super fit and is training with the team very well. We have been impressed with him.”
As for who should start at flyhalf between Pollard and Manie Libbok, the picture is, perhaps, more oblique. There is little doubt the Boks have found an extra gear in attack with Libbok at first receiver.
Despite his occasional woes off the kicking tee since he made his debut, the Boks have averaged 32.25 per Test with him in the team. The Boks averaged 23.5 points per Test in Pollard’s last 10 games before he got injured. “It is tough for us because we don’t know who to select,” said Stick.
The big loser in selection this weekend may well be veteran fullback Willie le Roux. He has gradually been eased into the background and, though his experience is deeply valued, the Pollard/Libbok conundrum will reduce his chances of cracking the nod.
The composition of the Bok back row may also draw interest, as may the starting front row.
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.