The Vodacom United Rugby Championship has been the perfect platform for Springbok talisman and Cell C Sharks captain Lukhanyo Am to again underline his status as one of world rugby’s best centres when he was voted the competition’s Player of the Month for February.
Am has embraced the challenge of a competition focused on showcasing the skill and diversity of South Africa’s leading players. He’s been one of the main driving forces behind the Cell C Sharks’ rise to within the top eight on the Vodacom United Rugby Championship table with both his exceptional individual play and his leadership ability.
According to the South African rugby media, "Am is arguably the best outside centre in world rugby at the moment. The superlatives to describe him this past month fall short of his genius, which is only improving."
Am’s individual try against the Vodacom Bulls has also been hailed by international rugby pundits as the try of the season thus far.
"It was extraordinary," said former Springbok skipper and renowned pundit Bob Skinstad. "I couldn’t believe the skill level he showed to get through there from that kickoff. Am is so calm under pressure. He talks to the referee well and has a nice manner about him. He’s clearly a leader in the midfield."
In voting for Am, the South African rugby journalists were unanimous in their conclusion that "Whether knifing through a maze of defenders or throwing visionary long passes, Am has been a pivotal figure."