High-flying Lukhanyo Am reluctant to accept personal plaudits: 'I'm gutted about the result'

Lukhanyo Am played what could justifiably be regarded as his best game in a Springbok jersey but defeat to the All Blacks on Saturday soured the moment.

The outside centre was moved to right wing after Jesse Kriel's early concussion injury at the hands (or legs, rather) of All Black behemoth Caleb Clarke.

Am not only neutralised the Clarke threat but posed the biggest danger to the visitors in the defeat at Ellis Park, scoring one of the two Bok tries while he had a hand in many chances they created.

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But Am, who was lauded for the performance, was loath to accept personal plaudits in a losing cause, although he agreed that he is in his best career nick.

"Yes, I feel like this season I'm playing my best rugby," Am said.

"In each game, you go into it to give your best … and tonight's (Saturday night's) game was good for me but, as a team, coaches tell us we don't judge performances on results alone.

"We look at the processes we do and the way we play. I tried my best to adjust from No 13 to wing and, as a backline, we tried to move the ball when the chance came.

"With the 6-2 split we have in the team, as a player, you slot in where the team needs you at the time. I'm a centre or a utility back and I'll slot in wherever needed.

"As a team, we've managed to get continuity and the majority of the team has been together since 2018 and even prior to that.

"We're starting to get the rewards from the style of play and combinations we have."

Am created a midfield break and try assist for Makazole Mapimpi in the second half that was disallowed for a Jaden Hendrikse obstruction in the build-up.

While that was debatable, it also seemed dubious that referee Luke Pearce deemed the rip on