Springboks Mapimpi, Am on their rugby acumen: 'We mastered the art of the game from the streets'

Springbok stars Makazole Mapimpi and Lukhanyo Am have a simple rugby crash course for their mutual understanding on the field: listening to, and trusting one another to make the correct decision.

This information is contained in MAP1MP1, a documentary that follows the life of winger Mapimpi from his rural upbringing to being a household South African name.

Written by award-winning author Sibusiso Mjikeliso (Sport24 deputy editor), Mapimpi paints his picture of a thousand words.

Together with Am, they have built a solid reputation of moving to the same rhythm on the field with dexterous moves that often end up with a 5-pointer.

It's something they share at franchise level with the Sharks and the Springboks have benefitted from it.

It's well known that Mapimpi always desired to play rugby. His family, the documentary revealed, waxed lyrical about his playing with a makeshift ball from plastic waste - barefoot, but full of enthusiasm and energy.

Am calls it playing rugby "in the streets" where flair is the name of the game. He makes brief appearances in the documentary, sharing the benefits of playing without worrying about the technical side of things. 

READ | Springbok future: We're awash with wing wizards

Am and Mapimpi have a history of playing together and naturally a connection has been built. It's a connection that reached its zenith at the World Cup in 2019.

"Playing in the streets is always fun and games, from side stepping to passing," Am said in the documentary.

"It's where most of the flair comes from; you see something on television and then you try it out when you play. The technical side of the game we learned at school, where you would be coached.

"We mastered the skill of the game from the streets," he said.

South