VIDEO: Am officially joins Springboks, now back in selection mix

The Springboks are expected to qualify for a World Cup quarter-final clash – most likely against France – which will take place next weekend.

Before then, the team has several days to assess the fitness and form of Lukhanyo Am, who has linked up with the squad following an injury to Makazole Mapimpi.

He is very much expected to be in the selection mix for the quarter-final, although it will be interesting to see if he could be selected in the starting lineup or on the bench.

Springboks assistant coach Felix Jones has now confirmed that they opted to call up the centre based on the assurances from medical staff at the Sharks about his impressive recovery from a knee injury.

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“We’ll see how he rocks up and how he performs in training over the next two weeks. He’s been doing a graduated return from his injury. We’ve been in contact with the Sharks’ medical staff about strength and conditioning in terms of the amount of rugby he’s been getting through at training. He’s been tracking very well and that’s why we’ve selected him,” Jones commented.

“”I think we can agree that when Lukhanyo’s at his best, he can slot into any team, and we will be banking on his experience and ability. He’ll definitely come in and contend for a centre position and he’ll be considered as much as anyone else. We’ll base it on what happens in training and also consider what goes on in the games prior to this.”

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Ladies and gentlemen…let the drums roll…lights, cameras…I introduce Lukhanyo Am to you. He is back in the house. 🏉🙌🇿🇦 #Springboks #RWC2023 pic.twitter.com/O5FhOQtyMv

— Hendrik Cronjé (@hendrikcronje71) October 4, 2023

THE SPRINGBOKS ARE WELL PLACED IN POOL B

 As outlined below, the Springboks have effectively qualified for the quarter-finals already, with only a bizarre match result between Ireland and Scotland potentially still having the potential to knock them out.

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Both quarter-final places are still to be decided:

• Scotland must beat Ireland and deny the Irish a bonus point to finish second on the head-to-head rule with South Africa topping the pool.
• If Ireland get a bonus point and Scotland do not, Ireland will top the pool on the head-to-head rule from South Africa.
• A Scotland bonus-point win without Ireland getting anything from the game will see them qualify in second place behind South Africa. The Springboks would finish top on the head-to-head rule.
• If Scotland win and both teams get a bonus point, then they join South Africa on 15 points and points difference will determine top spot in Pool B.
• Scotland must win by 21 points or more to claim top spot ahead of South Africa (South Africa +117, Ireland +122 and Scotland +97). Ireland would then qualify as runners-up on the head-to-head rule, having beaten South Africa. If Scotland do not win by such a margin, then South Africa will finish top on points difference and Scotland second on the head-to-head rule.
• Ireland will guarantee top spot if they secure two points from their match against Scotland.

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