In a bold move that's been brewing since 2024, South Africa A coach Mzwandile Stick has made the intriguing decision to play Lukhanyo Am, traditionally an outside centre, in the inside centre position for the upcoming match against Zimbabwe in Gqeberha. This adjustment comes as no surprise to those familiar with the strategic inklings of attack coach Tony Brown.
At 32, Am is no stranger to high stakes rugby, boasting 42 Test caps with his latest appearance in November 2024. After a season with Japan's Mitsubishi Dynaboars, Am returns to anchor a relatively green South African squad. "I’ll be honest, since Tony joined us, one of his first messages was that he’d love to see Lukhanyo at 12," Stick divulged. Even last year, Am was already taking reps at the 12 spot during practice sessions.
"Even when Lukhanyo was with us last year, he was running at 12 in training."
Stick continued, highlighting the logistical hurdles that previously prevented this shift. "But we couldn’t get the opportunity [to play him there] because we had Damian de Allende and André Esterhuizen." Now, with a fresh squad and ample room for experimentation, Am's transition to 12 seemed like a natural fit for Stick and his coaching staff.
The youthful vibrance of the SA A team is palpable, with 18-year-old Markus Muller pairing up with Am in midfield. The back three consists of Luan Giliomee, Jaco Williams, and Zekhethelo Siyaya, promising a dynamic and high-energy game. The team’s strategy seems to hinge on versatility and innovation, with Stick explaining, "Luan is also a fullback, especially with his sevens background, and he’s settling nicely there."
"When you look at the profile of Cheslin Kolbe and Kurt-Lee Arendse, Jaco has the potential to become that type of player in future."
Guidance from Junior Boks flyhalf Yaqeen Ahmed and strategic hooker plays by Siphosethu Mnebelele are expected to solidify the team's framework, focusing not just on individual brilliance but on cohesive team play that aligns with the Springboks' standards. "The most important thing for us is whether they can do the basics the Springboks require," Stick emphasized, underlining the blend of traditional skills and the X-factor that his young squad brings to the field.
TEAM: Junior Boks spearhead SA A attack; SA U20 captain starts for Boks, surprise at 10.