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Lukhanyo Am replaces injured wing Mapimpi in Springboks squad
By Finn Morton
Rugby World Cup winner Lukhanyo Am has joined the Springboks’ quest for back-to-back titles with the centre replacing injured wing Makazole Mapimpi in the 33-man squad.
As confirmed by a Rugby World Cup statement, Mapimpi was ruled out of the sports showpiece event after fracturing “his cheekbone” against Tonga on Sunday evening.
Am, 29, was initially overlooked for the Springbok’s Rugby World Cup squad due to a troublesome knee injury, but has been called in ahead of a potential quarterfinal next weekend.
“South Africa have confirmed centre Lukhanyo Am has replaced wing Makazole Mapimpi in their squad for Rugby World Cup 2023,” the statement reads.
“Mapimpi fractured his cheekbone in the Springboks’ 49-18 win against Tonga on Sunday. AM won the RWC with South Africa in 2019 and made the assist for Mapimpi’s try in the final against England.
“This change comes after fly-half Handre Pollard replaced hooker Malcolm Marx, who suffered a knee injury, in their squad.
“The defending champions beat Scotland 18-3 in their opening Pool B match in Marseille, with further wins against Romania and Tonga, but were defeated by Ireland.”
South Africa currently sits in first place in Pool B after beating Scotland, Romania and Tonga. The thrilling loss to Ireland at Stade de France is the only blip on their World Cup record so far.
Barring an incredible result between Scotland and Ireland this weekend in Paris, the defending World Cup champions will probably face either France or New Zealand in a quarter-final.
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Latest Comments
Don't think you've watched enough. I'll take him over anything I's seen so far. But let's see how the future pans out. I'm quietly confident we have a row of 10's lined uo who would each start in many really good teams.
Go to commentsHopefully Joe stays where he is. That would mean Les, McKellar, larkham and Cron should as well. It’s the stability we need in the state programs. But, if Joe goes, RA with its current financial situation will be forced into promoting from within. And this will likely destabilise other areas.
To better understand some of the entrenched bitterness of those outside of NZ and NSW (as an example 😂), Nic, there is probably a comparison to the old hard heads of welsh rugby who are still stuck in the 1970s. Before the days where clubs merged, professionalism started, and the many sharp knives were put into the backs of those who loved the game more than everyone else. I’m sure you know a few... But given your comparison of rugby in both wales and Australia, there are a few north of the tweed that will never trust a kiwi or NSWelshman because of historical events and issues over the history of the game. It is what it is. For some, time does not heal all wounds. And it is still festering away in some people. Happy holidays to you. All the best in 2025.
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