Lukhanyo Am has returned to the Springboks camp and, by all accounts, is ready to roll in the Rugby World Cup quarter-finals against France.

But does the athlete – who recently suffered a knee injury – stand a chance of being called up for the squad?

 

 

The Boks will take on the host country on Sunday, 15 October, at the Stade De France.LUKHANYO AM: ‘IT’S GOOD TO BE BACK’
This week, Lukhanyo Am made his first appearance at training in Toulon, France.

The 29-year-old – who helped South Africa win the 2019 Rugby World Cup – was called up following the announcement of Makazole Mapimpi’s injury earlier this week. This, after not making the squad due to a recent knee injury.

Speaking at a media conference, he said: “It’s a good feeling to be back. It was frustrating having to follow the World Cup from home. It was as though something you love is taken away from you”.

ALSO READ: Sorry, Eben! Does Siya Kolisi have a new bestie in Lukhanyo Am?

Lukhanyo added that he has been cleared to play, and is ready to hit the pitch running when needed.

He continued: “I’ve been working hard on getting my fitness levels as high as possible. Especially given the demands of international rugby.Siya Kolisi welcomed Lukhanyo Am with open arms during the Springboks training session. Images via Twitter: @springboks
“Training is obviously not the same as playing, but I knew it was vital to keep up to speed to be ready in case I received the call.”

WILL HE MAKE THE SQUAD?
While Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber and SA Rugby’s Rassie Erasmus are keeping their cards close their chests on who makes the squad, assistant coach Felix Jones has hinted at the possibility of seeing Lukhanyo Am on the pitch.

According to IOL, Jones said: “He’ll (Am) be considered just as much as anyone else, and we’ll base a lot of it on what happens in training and also consider what’s gone on in the games prior to this.”