Boks are a better side than last year - Kriel

It was a perfect set-up question and no matter how Jesse Kriel had answered it, it was going to make headlines.

So when he was asked if the Springboks are a better side than when they won their back-to-back World Cup last year, there was only one answer the midfielder could give: Yes.

The re-igniting of the ages-old rivalry between rugby’s two dominant figures happens again on Saturday and while both sides have issues at the moment, Kriel believes they have taken the step forward.

This is, of course, very much in line with Rassie Erasmus’ thinking and the incredible depth that the side currently has, depth that will be tested this week after a host of injuries at lock, and against opposition that often lifts their game when heading to Ellis Park.

As if there isn’t already enough hype around the game, the Bok injuries, and the new coaching setup in New Zealand has already created enough chatter around the game to sell it out twice, and those heading to the Joburg stadium on Saturday will be part of another chapter of the tapestry between the two sides.

So when Kriel was asked the question, there was really only one answer he could give.

“If you’re not better now than you were last year, you’ve got a problem,” said Kriel.

“The big thing for us is that we want to stay ahead of the curve and keep working on our individual skills to get better. I definitely believe we’re a better team than we were last year.”

“Last week we played a completely new team, with a lot of guys that weren’t in the World Cup final. Both teams are in a similar space in that a lot of new guys have come in and have put up their hands.”

With the injury list like it is, that depth will be tested this week, but it is still not completely a crisis with players in the camp that can fill in the blanks.

Kriel was also quizzed on new assistant coach Tony Brown, an obvious focus for the Kiwi journalists in the room and how he is making the Boks better.

“Brownie has been massive since he’s come in. He’s got the guys in the room really excited. I think he’s got us playing a really exciting brand of rugby that the guys are enjoying. It’s nice getting onto the field and being excited about how you’re going to play.

“Our focus now is to train as hard as possible. This is a massive test for both teams, so it’s important that we are well prepared and have our systems in place,” Kriel added.

“The intensity with which we play, and our effort is all that we can control. Both teams are in a similar situation with new coaching staff and players after the RWC final, so this week will be about who prepares the best and uses their opportunities on the day. They have unbelievable players with a great skill set, and they play a fast game, so we know what we are up against this weekend.”

And while the Boks have changed quite a bit, especially on attack, since last year, Brown is focusing more on unlocking “skillsets” in players that don’t normally use them as well.

“You can see quite a bit of change, but you keep the core of what you’ve built on for the last couple years.

“Brown has come in with some different thoughts on how he sees attacking rugby. We’ve also got a lot of guys using skills they wouldn’t normally use.

“If you look at a guy like Eben Etzebeth, he’s got an unbelievable pair of hands and offloading ability. If you look from one to 15, there are guys with amazing skill sets.”

The Springboks will name their side for the clash on Tuesday, with the All Blacks naming theirs on Thursday.