‘Clever’ Lukhanyo Am could be a Springbok trump card
National coach Allister Coetzee says the Sharks stars' versatility is a "big plus-point" as the race to replace Jan Serfontein starts.
Sharks centre Lukhanyo Am is finally ready for international action after he missed out earlier in the year through injury. Photo: Steve Haag/Gallo Images.
Lukhanyo Am isn’t exactly unfamiliar to the Springbok setup.
The Sharks midfielder was in line to be involved in June’s series against France before he broke his jaw the week leading up to that international window.
As Springbok coach Allister Coetzee was quick to point out on Monday, his selection was “the plan from the start”.
But it doesn’t mean the 23-year-old didn’t work his socks off to get here again.
.@Springbok coach Allister Coetzee confirms Jean-Luc du Preez has fractured his ankle and won't tour. pic.twitter.com/KbkTYylD6Y
— The Citizen Sport (@TheCitizenSport) October 30, 2017
Am simply shrugged off that setback and continued his consistent form when he returned.
“If you look at his ability as a No 13, he’s quite a clever defender and a great communicator,” said Coetzee.
“Lukhanyo also has the added defensive ability in stealing and turning over ball on the ground. He’s a really clever player.”
Am was indeed as effective as any fetcher flank and created the second most turnovers in the whole Currie Cup campaign.
However, given that he made his name as an outside centre in 2017, it would seem unlikely that he’ll be the man earmarked to fill Jan Serfontein’s void at inside centre on the outbound tour to Europe.
Not so.
“The fact that the Sharks used him at 12 of late is another plus-point for his versatility,” said Coetzee.
“You don’t move a player from No 13 to 12 unless he isn’t an effective distributor. Lukhanyo can be a strike runner and a decision-maker.”
Should he stake a claim in that position, Am shouldn’t underestimate the task.
.@Springboks coach Allister Coetzee has been impressed by Warrick Gelant's growth in the Currie Cup with @BlueBullsRugby. pic.twitter.com/kWWZzdZ6Ll
— Heinz Schenk (@sportmal) October 30, 2017
“Jan really did make that position his own. It’s not that the others are unfamiliar with the No 12 jersey, it’s just about confidence,” said Coetzee.
“We have Francois Venter who’s also played well and can change between 13 and 12. It’s great to have confident players.”
Another school of thought is that flyhalf Handre Pollard could be an effective option in midfield but it seems he’s destined to take over the pivot role from the inconsistent Elton Jantjies.
“I don’t think he’ll be picked there anytime soon with the centres ahead of him,” said Coetzee.
//
For more sport your way, follow The Citizen on Facebook and Twitter.
