Is Lukhanyo Am ‘the best rugby player in the world’?

It’s roughly halfway through the Test season yet sensational Springbok centre Lukhanyo Am has already been hailed as World Rugby’s Player of the Year.

Not one Springbok was nominated in 2021 but expect an uproar if Am fails to make the shortlist in 2022 to challenge the likes of the current holder and Six Nations-winning France skipper, Antoine Dupont.

The classy Bok outside centre was unquestionably the best on the park for the world champions as they slumped to a disappointing 35-23 defeat at Ellis Park on Saturday.

Am, who shifted to the wing in the first half after Jesse Kriel left the field with a concussion, scored a crafty try and made an impressive total of 137 metres.

ICYMI – Am shines as Bok MVP in Ellis Park defeat

Lukhanyo Am doing AMBELIEVABLE things AGAIN!!

Best rugby player in the world right now!

He had no right to score this#RSAvNZL #Springboks #LukhanyoAm pic.twitter.com/Dn7a9RUwyI

— 22Ours (@22Ours) August 13, 2022

Give Lukhanyo Am the World Rugby Player of the Year award now.

— Alex Shaw (@alexshawsport) August 13, 2022

There’s a strong argument that Lukhanyo Am is the best player in the world right now.

— Simon Thomas (@simonrug) August 13, 2022

The best rugby player in the world right now.

His name is Lukhanyo Am👌🏿🔥 pic.twitter.com/NlTyDLptUq

— Madima (@MaanoMadima) August 6, 2022

Lukhanyo Am is actually getting better by being less. Let me explain:

2019: Best defensive centre in the world

2021: Best centre in the world

2022: Best in the world.

— A-P (@rugby_ap) August 15, 2022

Can we just agree that Lukhanyo Am is the best Rugby player in the world right now #RSAvNZL pic.twitter.com/U1TbkrQ8as

— Nkanyiso Jobe (@nkanyisojobe30) August 13, 2022

I’m calling it. Lukhanyo Am, World Player of the year 2022.

— Shoba (@shobzlvr) 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