Springbok midfielder Jesse Kriel has brushed off suggestions that there may be extra pressure to succeed after he was chosen to fill Lukhanyo Am’s boots in Saturday’s Castle Lager Rugby Championship match in Sydney against Australia.
Kriel, who has played more than 50 tests for the Springboks, was an obvious choice when Am was ruled out with a knee injury and while Am may have been one of the form players of the 2022 season, it was a strange question that he easily sidestepped.
“Not at all. Lukhanyo has set a great standard, he has been playing amazing rugby. I know what role and responsibilities I have to do in my position and to contribute to the team so I am looking forward to the challenge. Very excited and looking forward to the game,” Kriel said.
Kriel will form a partnership with Damian de Allende and said the tightness of the squad meant that whoever stepped into the starting line-up would have the support of their team-mates.
“Very excited to be back in the midfield with Damian. Regardless of who plays in the midfield, all the guys that cover the midfield role play well together and get along very well together. It’s another good opportunity. We are all good friends off the field and that makes a big difference. It’s always really special playing with guys like Damian.”
The Boks lost Am and flyhalf Handre Pollard but prop Trevor Nyakane believes they have enough depth to replace their two stars and still do well this weekend in Sydney.
“Those are two of our leaders, two great players who are very good at what they do, but in the Springboks squad we thrive on helping each other and making everyone better and the people that are going to be taking those roles are just as well experienced and just as good as players and leaders,” Nyakane said.
“It is sad to have lost Handre and Lukhanyo but Jesse and the guys are coming with a lot of experience as well. It is a blow to us but we have capable guys coming in and have full trust. It is tough to lose them but we have guys that are going to step up and we know they are very well capable of doing the same job.”
Australia name their squad on Thursday for the clash.