SPOTLIGHT: Springbok centre Lukhanyo Am says his understanding of both midfield positions will help him form a formidable combination with Jesse Kriel in Saturday’s Test against the Wallabies in Perth.
Both players are outstanding outside centres, but Am will be making the shift to the No.12 jersey after Rassie Erasmus decided to give Damian de Allende a break.
Am has played at inside centre in the early stages of his career before developing into a world-class No.13 and it will only be his second Bok appearance of the season.
It will also be the first time Am and Kriel start a match as a midfield combination.
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“I am really looking forward to this Test,” Am told reporters on Wednesday ahead of the Rugby Championship Round Two encounter.
“Playing alongside a world-class player like Jesse will be really amazing.
“He is an experienced player and also for me playing No.12 and having an understanding of No.13, I think we will complement each other on both sides of the ball.”
When asked about the difference between No.12 and No.13, Am added: “There is a bit of a difference. I think from set-pieces, it is very position specific and then from general play, it is pretty similar.
“The adjustment will mainly focus on play from the set-pieces.
“The No.12, from a set-piece, is a guy that will create momentum, straightening up and trying to create space for the outside backs.”
Am is looking to establish himself as a starter in the Bok team once again after a tough time with injuries in the last 12 months.
He suffered a knee injury ahead of last year’s World Cup and he made his return to the Test arena in that win over Portugal last month.
“Injuries are part of the game. I’ve just been unfortunate to pick up injuries at crucial times which has put me in a very awkward position with the Springboks and at the Sharks.
“I am really happy where I am at currently and I am really looking forward to this Test.”
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