I have a bridge to sell you.
Afoa was "tactical" until the point Lam required him "injured", then he was "injured" until it dawned on Lam that they'd be playing with 13 at which point the safety of Afoa became moot and he allowed the player to return.
I'll give Lam credit for his post-hoc rationalisation of the situation. But he straight up lied and threatened Ian Tempest. If Afoa's safety was ever a real concern Lam should have denied him the ability to return to the fray which he singularly failed to do. He then effectively passes his duty of care to John Afoa who he said made his own decision....