Hero of the week: Jesse Kriel

There was a time when Jesse Kriel was an automatic choice for the Springboks and his partnership with Damian de Allende was a talking point for Springbok fans.

But the emergence of Lukhanyo Am - as gifted as the Sharks midfielder was - eclipsed Kriel’s role in the team and made him sit in the background, often shunning the limelight.

A spell in Japan made that even more profound - out of sight, out of mind for most Springbok supporters and some started to question his value.

But not within the team. The Springbok management have always valued Kriel - his versatility to be able to play in the midfield, on the wing or at fullback and his experience means he can slot in whenever needed.

And more than that, despite being out of the limelight, Kriel has been the consummate professional - training harder than ever and supporting the Springbok team from the sidelines, just in case he got his chance.

Those within the camp talk of his persistent excellence - the fact he works harder than most to give himself a shot - the fact that his gym sessions are the stuff of legend and the genuine team man he is.

When Am got injured before the November tour, despite some grumbling from the public, it was Kriel who stepped up and took over.

Again ahead of the warm-up games it was Kriel who again took charge with Am not available.

Rated as the best defensive 13 in the country by many within the squad, Kriel has the uncanny ability to marshall the defence in the most difficult position available on a rugby field.

And over the past few weeks the hard work has paid off. We have seen Kriel emerge fresh, new and remind those of his value.

And on Saturday he scored a brace of tries - not because he was sensational - but because his hard work never stopped.

There were several others who could have been picked from Saturday’s 52-16 win over Wales - including man of the match Canan Moodie and Pieter-Steph du Toit - who was incredibly close.

But for hard work paying off, for the determination and being the ultimate professional. And for reminding everyone of his value - Jesse Kriel gets out nod this week as the hero - and a perfect example for every other player in the squad.