Lukhanyo Am, one of the key members of the Springbok’s 2019 Rugby World Cup winning squad has been called into the 2023 World Cup squad to replace Mapimpi. The hard running winger saw his world cup come to an end after fructuring his cheekbone on Sunday’s 49-18 vitory over Tonga. He is expected to be out of action for roughly four to six weeks.

Lukhanyo is expected to join the team in Toulon this week for the ongoing quarter-finals preparations against the host nation France. He had been left out of the squad after suffering a knee injury on August 5th in the 24-13 victory over Argentina in Buenos Aires. His rehabibilitation has been smooth and he is expected to perform to the absolute best in the upcoming matches.

In a previous intereview with TimesLive, Makazole Mapimpi revealed how emotions got the better part of Lukhanyo when he realised he would not be part of the 33-man squad. “It is tough. It is a guy, I sleep next to him. He had the injury and the situation is very emotional. I share everything with him. We talk about everything. We are brothers. When he got injured he was very emotional.He has been doing well the last couple of seasons and was nominated as World Rugby Player of the Year. Now all of a sudden, last minute, he is injured. I hope he is going to get better soon and can be part of this squad.”

He will be the second injury replacement to the 33-man squad following Andre Pollard’s call up to replace Malcom Marx, who injured his knee during training.