Veteran centre Lukhanyo Am expects the Springboks will face a formidable challenge from Ireland for the Webb Ellis Cup in France.
Ireland are the world’s top-ranked team and reigning Six Nations champions, while the Boks are the World Cup title-holders, and the teams will clash on Saturday, 23 September in Paris for their third pool match of the 2023 World Cup.
Am has emerged as a leader in the current Bok squad, and as the defending champions prepare for the World Cup in three months’ time, advice from a seasoned No 13 such as the 30-year-old will undoubtedly be a key asset.
“With the group we have now, there is a lot of experience because most players who were there in 2019 are still here,” he told Bok Squad.
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“The challenge is that we have to defend the World Cup, but we are not the only favourites because there are teams that are in the top five on the rankings and that is going to make it a very interesting tournament.
“France at home are definitely one of the teams to beat and over the past two years Ireland have been playing amazing rugby and they are ranked number one. It is going to be an interesting World Cup, and I am excited about it.
“We can use the experience to our advantage because experience at big tournaments and in pressure games at times helps teams to push through. I think we are in the right space as a team.
“I hope we don’t lose players in terms of injuries and we go to the World Cup and peak at the right time.”
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