The MOST inspirational Springboks comeback story!
The Springboks had many heroes on the field against France in the 2023 RWC quarter-final, but one man in particular had the match of his life.
The world champions' 29-28 win over France on Sunday was one of the great rugby matches in modern history, or the whole of history for that matter. Antoine Dupont, the French skipper who fractured his cheek earlier in the tournament, produced a scintillating individual display, but it wasn't enough to steer the hosts into the semifinals. A host of Springboks produced stirring displays of their own, not least of which was the battered and bloodied Jesse Kriel.
For a long time, Jesse Kriel was criticised for his performances in a Springbok jersey. It's difficult to be the understudy to a player of Lukhanyo Am's calibre, but Am's injury opened the door for Kriel, and the Canon Eagles centre took his opportunity. He was one of the unsung heroes for Jacques Nienaber's team in 2023, and that display against France was likely the best of his career. Jesse Kriel. Image via Instagram @jessekriel15
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