For years, Lukhanyo Am was the undisputed king of the outside center channel—a defensive mastermind and creative genius widely regarded as the best No. 13 in world rugby. However, as the 2026 season dawns, the “Am Era” appears to be fading.
As Rassie Erasmus and the Springbok coaching staff shift their focus toward the 2027 Rugby World Cup, Am has increasingly found himself on the periphery. This shift isn’t a reflection of his talent, but rather a perfect storm of injury, aging, and a tactical evolution within the world champions’ camp.
The Three Factors Behind the Shift
1. The Injury Toll The turning point was the knee injury sustained against Argentina just before the 2023 World Cup. Though he traveled to France as injury cover, he never played. A series of persistent “niggles” throughout 2024 and 2025 have robbed him of the game time needed to reach “Test-match fitness.” While his rugby IQ remains world-class, he has visibly lost the half-yard of pace essential for defending wide channels.
2. The Rise of Jesse Kriel & The Youth Brigade In Am’s absence, Jesse Kriel didn’t just fill a gap—he became indispensable. Kriel’s high-intensity defensive “blitz” and refined attacking game have made him the first choice. Meanwhile, Erasmus has fast-tracked the next generation:
- Canan Moodie: Transitioning successfully into the midfield.
- Ethan Hooker: Emerging as the long-term future of the Bok No. 13 jersey.
3. The “Bomb Squad” Dynamics Under attack coach Tony Brown, the Boks are looking for explosive distributors. Furthermore, with Erasmus often utilizing a 6-2 or 7-1 bench split, utility value is king. Am’s traditional role is being challenged by “hybrid players” who can cover multiple positions across the backline.
The Move to Japan: A Final Chapter?
Am’s recent move to the Mitsubishi Sagamihara Dynaboars in Japan’s League One is perhaps the most telling sign of his current standing. While the move has Rassie’s blessing, it places Am further away from the daily intensity of the Springbok system.
At 32, Am remains optimistic: “Rugby is constantly evolving,” he noted. But with the 2027 World Cup cycle in full swing, the question remains: can the legendary playmaker rediscover the form and fitness required to leapfrog the younger, faster talent currently ahead of him?
