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'Get paid Lionel Messi money': Springbok centre deserving of riches
By Sam Smith
Outside centre Lukhanyo Am has been one of the best defenders in the game since becoming the number one option for the Springboks during the 2018 June test series against England.
The Sharks midfielder has flourished under Rassie Erasmus and Jacques Nienaber's high pressure system, where Am's talents in contact and over the ball have been critical for the Springboks.
He set the tone for the Springboks in the opening British & Irish Lions test by putting a heavy shot of England centre Elliot Daly, a tackle that former players suggest had put the Lions into a shell for the rest of the series.
He was at it again in the Springboks second test over Argentina, coming up with a miraculous try saver on the goal line to steal away a certain try for the Pumas.
WIth time up on the clock the Pumas had a break down the left touchline by Juan Martin Gonzalez. Am began the pursuit but then switched over to cover the inside pass when the Springbok cover defender looked to have Gonzalez covered.
The inside pass bounced off Santiago Carreras' shoulder, allowing Am to snatch it and save the would-be try.
Am was described as 'the world's best 13' that 'deserved to play in Europe and get paid Lionel Messi money', after his form over the last month has continued his stellar 17-test career.
Another described the 'absolute lynchpin in defence' as an early contender for World Player of the Year award after his Lions series and first two games against the Pumas.
Once part of a two-centre tandem with Jesse Kriel, Am has become an 80-minute player for the Springboks in 2021. He played all 240 minutes against the Lions, before being rested last week.
Back in the top side for the second Pumas test, Am put another 80-minute performance and was still making big plays in the last period of play.
Despite Am's save, the Pumas got another chance to score in extra time when they received a penalty after the Springboks continued to play on.
Kicking to the corner, the Pumas mauled down to two-metres out before barging over through Pablo Matera three phases later.
The Springboks were in search of a third try that would have given them the three-try bonus point in the Rugby Championship, but ended up conceding one at the other end.
“We weren’t disappointed to concede the try,” said head coach Jacques Nienaber after the game.
“Maybe ten years ago I wouldn’t have said that, but we were going for the bonus point try and we told the guys to go for the big defensive reads and take chances.
“If we had got the bonus point try it would have been worth it. We were in a position where we could go for it, so it wasn’t a risk.”
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Latest Comments
SCW really dislikes Eddie, doesn't he?
His words in 2019 before the RWC final that he now says should have resulted in Eddie's firing:
"Was Saturday’s sensational World Cup semi-final win over New Zealand England’s greatest ever performance? Yes, unquestionably, would be my answer."
So let's fire the coach one game later? Duh!
Go to commentsIreland have every right to back themselves for a win. But the key variable has little to do with recent record etc.
The reality is that Ireland are a settled team with tons of continuity, an established style, and a good depth chart, whereas NZ are fundamentally rebuilding. The questions are all about what Razor is doing and how far along he is in that program.
NZ are very close to really clicking. Against England all of the chatter is about how England could have closed out a win, but failed to do so. This has obscured the observation that NZ were by far the more creative and effective in attack, beyond the 3-1 try differential and disallowed tries. They gave away a lot of unnecessary penalties, and made many simple errors (including knock-ons and loose kicks). Those things are very fixable, and when they do so we are once again going to be staring at a formidable NZ team.
Last week we heard the England fans talking confidently about their chances against NZ, but England did not end up looking like the better team on the field or the scoreboard. The England defense was impressive enough, but still could not stop the tries.
Ireland certainly has a better chance, of course, but NZ is improving fast, and I would not be surprised at a convincing All Black win this week. It may turn on whether NZ can cut out the simple mistakes.
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