— Cape Town Jesse Kriel began his Springbok career with a bang, scoring on his debut against the Wallabies in 2015.
In Brisbane, two late touchdowns by the Australians resulted in a 24-20 loss for the Springboks, but Kriel had confirmed himself as the starting outside centre with Jean de Villiers for the 2015 Rugby World Cup.
Kriel missed a critical tackle on loose forward Amanaki Mafi, who sent the winning ball to Karne Hesketh, who scored in the left-hand corner, in the first match against Japan.
Even though Kriel went on to start all seven of South Africa’s World Cup games, he still hasn’t gotten over THAT tackle.
Kriel started the majority of his Tests from 2015 to 2019, but after losing the No. 13 shirt to the exceptional Lukhanyo Am, he has had little chances.
Kriel had a hamstring injury against the All Blacks in the first match of the 2019 World Cup, which curtailed his campaign. Injuries have also hindered his development at crucial points in his career, most notably during the 2019 World Cup.
Some of these opportunities have been at wing, and the most recent instance saw Kriel leave the field against the All Blacks at Ellis Park with concussion following an attempted tackle on Caleb Clarke.
Due to Am’s knee injury, he is now back in the Bok lineup for Saturday’s match against the Wallabies (11.35am SA time kickoff) and will start at outside centre.
With the Sharks star in imperious form, though, Kriel has practically little chance of convincing the Bok coaches and supporters of his importance in the Sydney Test.
The 28-year-old has always been one of the fittest and quickest players in the Bok team, with great muscles and a six-pack ribcage, but it hasn’t always translated to success on the field.
There is no question about Kriel’s resolve, as he has fiercely said this week that he does not feel the burden of measuring up to Am’s great standards.
“Lukhanyo has set a high bar, and he is playing incredible rugby, but I am well aware of my job, duties, and contributions to the squad. “I look forward to the task,” stated Kriel.
The primary “challenge” for the Maritzburg College product at Allianz Stadium is to be a dangerous offensive weapon for the Boks. Perhaps not as deftly as Am, but as a strike-runner going for the outside gap and using his pace well.
In this sense, Kriel must also collaborate with Makazole Mapimpi and Canan Moodie, both of whom are rookies. He cannot just pin his ears back and go for it every time; he must vary his approach to keep the Wallaby defense guessing.
On terms of defense, Kriel will be challenged by Wallaby outside backs Hunter Paisami, Len Ikitau, and Marika Koroibete in the outer channels.
In addition to organizing the Springboks’ backline, he must make hard hits to prevent the Wallabies from obtaining momentum and fast breakdown ball.
@ashfakmohamed