Kriel next Lion in line for Bok debut

He is on the bench for the Springboks’ series deciding Test against Ireland this weekend. Bongi Mbonambi will be hoping to finally make his debut, after being unused it the last two Tests. Fellow front-ranker Steven Kitshoff is the other hopeful debutant.

 After Ruan Combrinck produced a man-of-the-match from the bench, many rugby fans will hope Kriel can do the same. He is an exciting game-breaker, and will bring a huge amount of energy onto the field if and when he is used.

“Waiting is always worthwhile if it comes off for you. At the Lions, we’ve always spoken about being patient and doing your job but we’re at the Boks now, and to be patient here is a whole new level,” Kriel said after the team announcement.

“It’s been an interesting journey for me, but I’ve really enjoyed it a lot. This weekend, if I get my chance, I have to deliver.”

Having been involved in Springbok camps last year, the environment isn’t exactly new to Kriel but he has tried to soak up as much as he can in the new Bok setup.

“Being an uncapped player and training with the squad over the last three weeks was really valuable for me. To see how to go about things, and how the senior players handle all the practices – I believe it was really valuable and I believe coach Allister had a plan from the beginning and I’ve really backed him all the way in his decisions and team selections,” Kriel said.

“We are a team and we back the boytjies that play. But I believe I learned a lot and I’m ready for this.”

Coetzee has a powerful bench at his disposal once again this weekend. His replacements made all the difference last week and ended up being responsible for the Springboks victory. Kriel says that performance meant a lot.

“The bench couldn’t have learned a better lesson than last weekend. If you look at the impact the bench made and the energy they provided in the second half, that’s the benchmark this week.

“Being new on the bench and new in the side, I believe that is a good example for me on how to play when you come off the bench, energise the team and give them that go-forward.” 

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