Kriel excited to face Aussies in Rugby Champs opener

Springbok centre Jesse Kriel said he was excited about facing the Wallabies in their opening round of the Castle Lager Rugby Championship at Ellis Park on Saturday after an intense two-week conditioning camp.

The experienced midfielder added that the Boks are ready to return to the standard of play that has earned them immense support in South Africa and certain places abroad.

The Springboks will start this year’s competition unbeaten, having beaten Italy and Georgia in the Castle Lager Incoming Series, as well as winning their match against the Barbarians.

Australia, however, come off a tough series against the British & Irish Lions, where they finished strong after losing the first two Tests. Despite the series defeat, both Kriel and Springbok assistant coach Jerry Flannery expressed respect for the visitors.

“We have very high standards in this environment and there is also good competition in each position, so we spent the last few weeks working on our conditioning and match detail and we are confident about our level of our preparation going into the game,” said Kriel.

Kriel played down suggestions that Australia were more battle hardened than the Springboks and said: “Everyone is entitled to their opinions about what battle hardened is but for us it’s about how you pitch up at training every day and we are excited about the match.”

Kriel will link up with Andre Esterhuizen in the midfield this week as Damian de Allende returns to full recovery from a niggle and the star outside centre was thrilled about the prospect.

“It’s no secret that Andre is devastating with ball in hand and he also has a great understanding of the game,” said Kriel. “It’s been great to see how he and Damian have been working together and trying to help one another become better. He’s a great guy to get us moving forward and trying to get us on the front foot.”

Flannery, who took over the role as Springbok defence coach following the team’s triumphant 2023 Rugby World Cup campaign, spoke highly of Australian coach Joe Schmidt and what he is achieving with his team.

“We played against Australia when Joe came in after the 2023 Rugby World Cup and one could pick up more about his coaching philosophy,” said Flannery.

“We know the breakdowns are a big part of their game. Most teams want quick ball on attack and that has been a key area for them, especially because Joe is so meticulous and he has players aligned to their plan.

“His detail is great and he’s been able to get his players to play their potential and fire.”

The former Ireland and Munster hooker thoroughly enjoyed the Castle Lager Rugby Championship and said it was a proper test for every team week in and week out.

“It’s a phenomenal competition,” said Flannery. “One only has to look back at last year, where Argentina were the dark horses by shocking New Zealand and beating us.

“There are no weak teams in this tournament and it’s great because we want to play the best teams in the world when they are at their best.”

The match kicks off at 5.10pm and will be broadcast live on SuperSport. Tickets are available from Ticketmaster.

Springbok starting XV: 15 Aphelele Fassi, 14 Edwill van der Merwe, 13 Jesse Kriel, 12 Andre Esterhuizen, 11 Kurt-Lee Arendse; 10 Manie Libbok, 9 Grant Williams; 8 Siya Kolisi (capt), 7 Pieter-Steph du Toit, 6 Marco van Staden; 5 Lood de Jager, 4 Eben Etzebeth; 3 Wilco Louw, 2 Malcolm Marx, 1 Ox Nche. Replacements: 16 Bongi Mbonambi, 17 Jan-Hendrik Wessels, 18 Asenathi Ntlabakanye, 19 Franco Mostert, 20 Kwagga Smith, 21 Cobus Reinach, 22 Canan Moodie, 23 Damian Willemse.