South Africa’s 67th test captain, Jesse Kriel, said he will lead with actions, not words, when he gets onto the field in Saturday’s first test against Italy at Loftus Versfeld.
Kriel will lead in the absence of Siya Kolisi, who is sitting with an Achilles niggle and will return next week, but is keen to keep the Springboks flying high after an impressive win over the Barbarians in their season opener.
The midfielder has been in sensational form in Japan and was one of the Boks' best players last season and believes he doesn’t need to do much talking on the field on Saturday.
“I’ve always tried to be a leader that leads by actions. When you play in a team like this, not much needs to be said,” Kriel said.
“I have great examples - such as guys like Siya. If you look at our coaching staff, they also lead by example with how hard they work and everything they put in.
“The guys lead by actions, they work hard and they get the job done. I suppose that is the kind of the blueprint I want to use in the way I want to lead and go about doing things.”
Jesse Kriel on the honour of captaining the Springboks for the first time in an official Test match 🗣️
— SuperSport Rugby (@SSRugby) July 4, 2025
Mzwandile Stick also speaks about his impact within the team and his leadership 👏#SSRugby pic.twitter.com/qOAGsRzQDD
MASSIVE MISTAKE TO WRITE ITALY OFF
Kriel was quick to say it was a mistake to think that the Boks would simply romp home against Italy and termed them dangerous opponents.
“It's a massive mistake by the rugby world to write Italy off. They are an extremely passionate rugby nation and a very good rugby side,” Kriel added.
“We certainly haven’t done that and we respect them very much and we have shown that in our preparation throughout this week. It’s been an intense week and we are expecting a very passionate Italian side that comes out onto Loftus tomorrow.
“We are looking forward to the challenge and are excited about it.”
Kriel said he was very proud to be the next Bok captain and this was definitely a career highlight.
“It’s very special,” said Kriel. “There have certainly been a few career highlights in the past, and this occasion is up there with those, but we have a big game tomorrow, and I’m very fortunate to have guys like Siya (Kolisi), Eben (Etzebeth), Handre (Pollard) and so many other leaders in the squad to assist me.
“The fact that they are my best friends makes it even better. Obviously, our focus will be on the job at hand, but I’m very proud and it is a big occasion for me.”
Jesse Kriel: “Our focus will be on the job at hand, but I’m very proud, and it is a big occasion for me” 🫡#Springboks #ForeverGreenForeverGold
— Springboks (@Springboks) July 4, 2025
STICK PRAISES KRIEL
Mzwandile Stick, the Bok assistant coach who appeared with Kriel, also had high praise for the new captain.
“It started with the match against the Barbarians, and the way he led the team in that match made it an easy choice to hand him the captaincy.
“There are a few things we look for in a captain, and those include working hard and leading by example, and Jesse ticks both those boxes. He is one of the hardest workers in the team and one of the best outside centres in the world, and adding to that, he leads by example, so we are proud of his achievement.”
The Boks international season officially kicks off on Saturday and the team will face Italy in a return test in Gqeberha next weekend before taking on Georgia in Mbombela a week later.