He may have featured on the beaten side in the weekend’s big rugby match, but South Africa’s Lukhanyo Am didn’t finish a loser in the eyes of many.
Indeed, it is fortunate the 28-year-old is known for his modesty and self-effacing ways.
For all the plaudits he received after after the Springboks’ clash with New Zealand in Johannesburg could so easily have gone to his head.
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Many were saying that same thing, namely that Am is now the best rugby player in the world.
Antoine Dupont? He was top of the pile five months ago — keep up.
Such is the changing backdrop that rugby is played out against in an online world.
But Am did excel in South Africa’s old Ellis Park citadel, even though his team fell to a 35-23 defeat in a Rugby Championship classic. Switching from outside centre to wing on nine minutes after Jesse Kriel left the field with an injury, Am had a superlative game which saw him score a try and turn four of his eight runs into clean breaks, making 137 metres for his side and beating five defenders.
His highlights included a high-class finish and a break that split the All Blacks defence asunder for Makazole Mapimpi to cross. Sadly for the Boks, no score was given as referee Luke Pearce ruled an obstruction had taken place.
But applause still came in from the rugby public, with plenty now feting Am as the world’s best — Dupont or no Dupont. You can read more about Am here.
Among the Springbok's enthusiastic backers was former journalist Alex Shaw, who suggested/demanded via Twitter: “Give Lukhanyo Am the World Rugby Player of the Year award now.”
By noon on Sunday, lots had liked Shaw’s post.
WalesOnline’s own Simon Thomas said: “There’s a strong argument that Lukhanyo Am is the best player in the world right now.”
And @MaanoMadima was on a similar beat, saying: “The best rugby player in the world right now. His name is Lukhanyo Am.”
Countless others agreed.
At the very least we can assume Am will be on the shortlist for World Player of the Year, maybe with Dupont, and possibly two out of Gregory Alldritt, Josh van der Flier, Malcolm Marx and Ardie Savea.
A tough choice beckons.
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