Lukhanyo Am believes there are few occasions in world rugby that compare to facing the All Blacks as the Springboks prepare for the inaugural four-Test Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series.
The two old foes will meet four times in August and September, with the series kicking off at Ellis Park on 22 August before Tests in Cape Town, Johannesburg and Baltimore in the United States.
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For Am, who has experienced some of the biggest occasions in the game, clashes against New Zealand rank alongside rugby’s premier events.
“I think facing the All Blacks has been the greatest rivalry of all time,” said the World Cup-winning centre.
“As a player, having the opportunity to experience this is really amazing. I think it’s definitely in the top three – the World Cup, the British & Irish Lions and the Greatest Rivalry. So I’m really excited.”
Am said the rivalry had captivated him long before he pulled on the green and gold.
“I always wanted to face the haka,” he said.
“The men in black have always been one of the greatest international Test teams. Growing up watching that, and now getting the chance to face them, has been really amazing.”
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The 32-year-old expects another fiercely contested series, despite changes to the All Blacks under new head coach Dave Rennie.
“There definitely will be a couple of changes, as we’ve already seen in their squad,” Am said.
“There’s young, exciting players that have been backed. But when it comes between the four lines, we just have to get into each other’s heads and hopefully the best team will win.”
Am also believes New Zealand’s strength lies in the continuity of their game, regardless of who wears the jersey.
“Whoever slots into their side, it just happens so smoothly because their style of play doesn’t really change based on personnel. They play the same style of rugby,” he said.
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Photo: Anton Geyser/Gallo Images
The post Am fired up for four-Test blockbuster appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Lukhanyo Am believes there are few occasions in world rugby that compare to facing the All Blacks as the Springboks prepare for the inaugural four-Test Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series.
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