Two ‘forgotten’ Springboks send message to Rassie
Two Springbok stars who have fallen out of the national picture have begun to discover the sort of form that could lead to recalls.
The last couple of years have been similarly challenging for both Faf de Klerk and Lukhanyo Am, who have both struggled with form and fitness at various times.
Since the Springboks’ last World Cup, Am has featured in just seven Tests – missing all of last season – while De Klerk has only made five appearances in the green and gold.
De Klerk is now 34-years-old, and no longer in the top three when it comes to the Springboks’ pecking order at scrumhalf, while 32-year-old Am has fallen behind Jesse Kriel and Canan Moodie at outside centre.
Springbok resurgence on the cards?
Although both World Cup winners have slipped out of the national picture to some degree, it has been noteworthy that the experiened backline duo have been finding some impressive form in Japan.
De Klerk just made a massive statement after a long injury layoff as he delivered a Man of the Match performance against the log-leading Kobelco Kobe Steelers, which included a first half hat-trick.
While there are signs that he could be getting back to his best in Japan, reports suggest he is “strongly considering” a move back to South Africa to join the Cheetahs at the end of this season to be closer to family, but which could also assist his pursuit for a Springbok recall.
Meanwhile, Am is currently in his first full season with the Dynaboars after leaving the Sharks late last year, and he has become a consistent starter and a stabilising force for a team that has had a bit of a rollercoaster season.
Some recent footage has shown the midfielder looking in good nick, with his silky smooth running and deceptive pace looking to be on show once again.
Considering his age, 32, there is no reason to believe he couldn’t still force his way back into the conversation for next year’s World Cup, and he was recently included in the latest virtual Springbok alignment camp squad.
All in all, Rassie Erasmus and his fellow coaches will be sitting up and taking notice of these energetic performances from Am and De Klerk that are certainly sending a clear message about their renewed ambitions.
Do you think these two players could still have something to offer the Boks?
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