Springbok centre Lukhanyo Am shares his thoughts on his return after an injury sustained with Mitsubishi Dynaboars, as well as on the intense competition within the squad under Rassie Erasmus ahead of the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
Springbok centre Lukhanyo Am shares his thoughts on his return after an injury sustained with Mitsubishi Dynaboars, as well as on the intense competition within the squad under Rassie Erasmus ahead of the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
As the 2027 Rugby World Cup approaches, Lukhanyo Am continues his journey back into the Springbok squad, aware that serious competition awaits him. Am noted that the young players emerging now demonstrate a very high level of play, and he values the opportunity to be in a team where he can challenge others.
These comments were made by Am at the FNB Stadium, where it was officially announced that Castle Double Malt would become the title partner of the new commercial banner 'Rugby's Greatest Rivalry,' dedicated to the historical clashes between the Springboks and the All Blacks.
Am's career was interrupted by a recurring knee injury since 2023, which initially cost him a spot in the squad for the 2023 World Cup. Currently playing in Japan for Mitsubishi Dynaboars, this leading halfback is focused on getting back into the sight of national selectors.
However, the road back has proven more difficult than ever, as the Springboks have choices at almost every position, indicating the incredible depth of South African rugby at present.
Am views this intense internal battle not as a threat but as an integral part of the Springbok ecosystem. He explained that this situation has been building up for a long time and believes Rassie Erasmus strives to maintain interest and competition. In his view, one must understand that the chance to feature can arise at any moment, and it must be utilized fully, as the next contender is already in line.
Instead of feeling discouraged by the emergence of new stars, Am, the experienced centre, remains highly supportive of the younger generation. He stated that while injured, he is happy for the success of the young players. He emphasized that upon returning to the team, he must perform at his best to regain his place. At the same time, he believes such competition is beneficial because it motivates a player to improve and reach their absolute peak.
Ntutuco Mchunu, who has been on the periphery of the Springbok team since 2022, having played only three matches for the national side, hopes to relaunch his international career with a strong performance against Scotland on Saturday.
Mchunu stated his determination to use this opportunity, as last year's move from the Sharks to the Stormers contributed to the flourishing of his game. The 23-year-old athlete noted that it is a great honor for him to return to the Springbok squad and continue the confidence he built during the URC season.
He emphasized that the coaches ensure the maintenance of the level of play achieved at the franchise level and require players to bring new value and participate in the Springbok team's plans.
Mchunu's debut for the Boks squad took place in 2022 in a match against Wales in Bloemfontein. In 2023, he was not included in the squad, and in 2024, he received two substitute appearances, after which he did not play in 2025.
This loosehead prop believes that the change of environment from Durban to Cape Town played a role in the revival of his career. He mentioned that he likes the atmosphere at the Stormers because it suits him, and sometimes it is useful to hear a different perspective. Although rugby remains rugby, he adapted very quickly in Cape Town.
The desire to return to the Springboks strongly motivated him. He also recalled an injury last year and the subsequent call-up in November for the tour, although he did not take the field. Returning to Wednesday's training session sparked a drive in him to improve and get back into the squad.
Mchunu explained that despite participating in the away match, he never knew exactly when he would step onto the field. He added that they have been training together for about five weeks, and his role changes depending on the week. He clarified that the mentality does not suddenly change on Monday just because other players performed well last week; they train very intensely regardless of that.
According to him, when it is his turn to play, the standard remains the same or even increases. Nothing fundamentally changes, only his role shifts—for example, one week he might support the player who is playing during that period, and another week he might take responsibility for the game or maintain the set standard.
Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus provided an update on the team's injuries. He confirmed that players recovering from injuries, including captain Siya Kolisi and Eben Etzebeth, are on track to return for the series of matches against the All Blacks.
According to Rassie Erasmus, all injured players should be ready for the series against the All Blacks in August and September, which is one of the most significant confrontations.
Eben Etzebeth, who suffered a concussion during training last week before the trip to England, is among the key players who might play against the New Zealanders. However, Erasmus noted that due to the concussion and his history with this issue, Eben is unlikely to participate in the upcoming National Championship matches against Scotland and Wales.
Etzebeth's concussion issues are a concern, as he previously missed significant periods of the season with the Sharks in the United Rugby Championship. Etzebeth's last full match was in November—a test match against Wales, where he received a red card for an eye punch and was suspended for 12 weeks. Erasmus reported that they plan to target Argentina for Eben's return, specifically the friendly match on August 8th in Buenos Aires. The same applies to Franco Mostert, who sustained an injury in the match against the Barbarians.
Rassie Erasmus also mentioned that Lud de Jagter may be ready for the match against Wales in Durban as early as next week, as he is closer to readiness than the others. Furthermore, there is a growing possibility that Sharks winger/centre Ethan Hooker will be able to return from his shoulder injury in next week's match at Kings Park. Erasmus concluded that Ox Nche, Sasha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and Morne van den Berg should be ready approximately three weeks before the New Zealanders arrive, i.e., in mid-August. Siya Kolisi will also be ready for next week in Durban.
