Although the 35-23 loss to New Zealand was not what South Africa would have wanted, the performance of Lukhanyo Am has stolen all the headlines.
The idea that Am is currently the best player in the world is a notion that has grown massively in momentum after a string of brilliant performances.
Even in defeat Am showed all of his quality and was head and shoulders clear of anyone else on the pitch.
Since the full time whistle, the internet has blown up with GIFS, videos and tweets all heaping praise on the Springbok outside centre.
So what exactly did Am do that has taken over the rugby side of the internet?
Well firstly, he was playing out of position after an injury forced him to play on the wing for over 65 minutes. While in the wide channel, Am sparked South Africa into life, scoring their first try after a world class finish.
Class. Lukhanyo Am. 🥰#RSAvNZL
pic.twitter.com/FlCjkLxaBA— Jared Wright (@jaredwright17) August 13, 2022
Not happy with just offencive work, Am put in a huge defensive shift – oven being a brick wall in the face of the All Blacks attack.
But then came the moment which words simply cannot do justice (but I’ll try). Deep inside their own half, Am completely split the New Zealand defence, running at immense speed by barely breaking a sweat, then at full tilt, Am casually sprayed the ball wide for Mapimipi to score – it was one of the most unbelievable passages of play ever to grace a rugby field.
But then, to the disappointment of rugby fans around the world, Luke Pierce disallowed the try for obstruction – making it probably the greatest try to be disallowed.
Am then backed this up by more flashes of brilliance on both sides of the ball.
Here are some of the best reactions on the internet:
Lukhanyo Am the best rugby player in the world rn 🫡#RSAvNZL pic.twitter.com/r2myataOUg
— 🗿 (@ayy_farai) August 13, 2022
Imagine being a team without Lukhanyo Am in it, and having to face a team that has Lukhanyo Am in it. I’d simply refuse #RSAvNZL
— Patricia (@_PatriciaV_) August 13, 2022
Lukhanyo Am, Minister of National Defence.
— Miv (@M1VUYO) August 13, 2022
Lewis Hamilton meets Lukhanyo Am https://t.co/XMJZ2LfmIK
— Jared Wright (@jaredwright17) August 13, 2022
Lukhanyo Am is not only the best centre in world rugby, he's the best wing in the world too apparently. #SAvNZ
— Craig Ray (@craigray11) August 13, 2022
Lukhanyo Am is the best 13 in the world right now and I genuinely don’t think it’s even close. His all around game is 🔥
— Stephen Tomasin (@ScubaSteve_09) August 13, 2022
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