Selecting Lukhanyo Am and André Esterhuizen for the Durban Test proved to be a good decision by Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus, writes JUANDRE JOUBERT.

Am powered his way over the line to score the opening try of the match and provided go-forward ball for Aphiwe Dyantyi and Makazole Mapimpi, who scored four tries between them. His midfield partner, Esterhuizen, gained 37m with ball in hand, had one linebreak and beat two defenders.

It was particularly pleasing to see the pair’s defensive work. They made 19 tackles between them and only missed two, while also affecting turnovers.

Argentina did not beat the Boks out wide as often as England did, which shows that Am has improved that side of his game.

Overall, the two centres had a decent game, but I would like to see more of the pair, and I think Erasmus would agree.

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Am and Esterhuizen will start again in Mendoza, with Jesse Kriel having been released to play Currie Cup for the Bulls and Damian de Allende also remaining behind. The former duo can put more pressure on the latter by performing well again.

However, Kriel and De Allende may yet start the Tests against Australia and New Zealand as Erasmus has yet to settle on his preferred centre combination for next year’s World Cup. De Allende has shown what he is capable of this season and if Kriel can reproduce the form he found in Super Rugby, it will leave Erasmus with a good headache.

Argentina have brought in Jaguares centre Jerónimo de la Fuente, who will have a point to prove if he gets selected, but it’s the Bok centres who should take centre stage once again.

Photo: Steve Haag/Gallo Images