Good and tough times makes it so much more special, says new Springbok captain Jesse Kriel

IOL News

6 hours ago

Centre Jesse Kriel will captain the Springboks for the first time on Saturday. Photo: ITUMELENG ENGLISH Independent Media
Image: ITUMELENG ENGLISH Independent Media
Jesse Kriel has had some incredible highs and serious lows throughout his journey with the Springboks.
Now the 31-year-old believes that all those experiences will shape his approach when he captains the world champions for the first time in Saturday's clash against the Barbarians at Cape Town Stadium (5.10pm kick-off).
The star outside centre was announced as the skipper early on Friday after regular captain Siya Kolisi was withdrawn as a precautionary measure due to a neck niggle.
Marco van Staden will now wear the No 6 jersey, with Kriel taking charge of the leadership group.
The former Bulls stalwart – who now plays his club rugby for the Canon Eagles in Japan – was going to be the vice-captain this weekend until Kolisi pulled out, and he is delighted with the opportunity.
'I'm extremely excited and honoured. Not much changes for me. We've all got our roles in the team, and a big thing in this Springbok team is about taking ownership in your role,' Kriel said on Friday during the traditional captain's pre-match press conference.
'That in itself kind of sets you to develop as a leader, and whether you've got 100 Test matches or a guy playing in their first games, they are all leaders in their own ways.
'They take ownership of what they need to do in the team, and that over the years has helped me to develop.
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'I've been surrounded by really strong leaders like Siya, Eben, Handré, and a lot of other guys.
'I've been very fortunate to watch their example and learn from them. But tomorrow, not much changes, and I'm pretty excited for the challenge.'
Kriel – who attended Maritzburg College – made his Test debut in 2015 against Australia, and has earned 79 caps in total.
He added that he has led his Japanese club a few times over the years, and will remember the lessons from some of the good and bad moments to help him guide the Boks on Saturday.
Your #Springboks team to face the @Barbarian_FC in Cape Town tomorrow, and what a special team photo for Jesse, Vincent, Marnus, Asenathi and Neethling 🤩#ForeverGreenForeverGold pic.twitter.com/2Rvoo8z90Q — Springboks (@Springboks) June 27, 2025
Kriel played in the 2015, 2019 and 2023 World Cups, where he was the starting No 13 in the 2015 semi-final loss to the All Blacks in London, but had to go home following an injury early in the 2019-winning campaign in Japan.
He was able to fight his way back into the starting side that clinched the 2023 title in France, and hopes to be part of the 'three-peat' in Australia in 2027.
'That's the beauty of rugby – it's not always smooth sailing. There are lots of ups and downs, and you learn a lot about yourself in those tough times,' Kriel said.
'It forces you and allows you to grow as an individual, as a person, and also become a better teammate.
'Those tough times have probably been the times that I've actually learnt to enjoy the most, because you learn a lot about yourself and how special this team is – and how people help you through those tough times.
'It makes the good times and winning World Cups so much more special.
'I'm very grateful for all those times, and hopefully there are a lot more good times in the future.
'I don't think I'm the biggest talker. Obviously with the defence, I've always been quite vocal when it comes to defence, because that has been my pressure point in the team.
'If you look at the team this weekend, we've got guys like Lood, Malcolm, Damian has played so many Test matches next to me.
'He could so easily have led the team, and he will be leading tomorrow. Then you've got Cheslin and Kurt-Lee, who are great leaders in their own right. It just makes it so much easier.'
Meanwhile, Bok assistant coach Mzwandile Stick said on Friday that Kolisi's neck problem was not too serious.
'We always try to give players the best opportunity to be 100 percent for the game. But with Siya, it's just a stiff neck. I don't think there's a need to take a risk,' he said.
'Chances are by the time we have the kickoff, Siya's neck will probably be loose and 100 percent.
'But for this game, whenever we can, we try to build more leaders in the team, and Jesse is our captain. He's always been there as a leader, so it was an easy call for us to make.
'We don't want to push Siya – I don't think it's a major thing: it's just a stiff neck, and we don't want to take a risk.
'But I'm excited to see Jesse's leadership skills. He's always been there vocally, and led by example. So, it's great for him to get an opportunity to lead the team.'