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IOL News
27-06-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
Good and tough times makes it so much more special, says new Springbok captain Jesse Kriel
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 The star outside centre was announced as the skipper early on Friday after regular captain Siya Kolisi was withdrawn as a precautionary measure due to a neck niggle.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. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading '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 — 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.'
IOL News
20-06-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
Champion Proteas will burst straight through every ceiling, insists Ashwell Prince
Proteas batting coach Ashwell Prince has worked his magic with the SA unit. Photo: ITUMELENG ENGLISH Independent Media Image: ITUMELENG ENGLISH Independent Media THROUGHOUT the Proteas' two-year cycle, including heading into the World Test Championship final, the batting unit came under intense criticism and comparison. Many looked at Australia's batting unit and identified their experience, including that of Steve Smith, Usman Khawaja and Travis Head – who are some of the best in the world – and compared that to South Africa's young line-up. There were questions and doubts on the unit's ability to hold their ground against a strong Australia attack, forgetting the centuries that the batters have scored throughout the cycle, be it here at home in South Africa or away from home. Proteas batting coach Ashwell Prince commented on the batters' potential upon arriving in South Africa this week, and told the media that they are yet to reach their ceiling and that the comparison should stop. 'I think as South Africans, we obviously had a generation where you had a batting line-up consisting of Smith, Gibbs, Kallis, AB, Amla, and out of all those names, there are about four or five of them in this Hall of Fame,' Prince stated. 'The dangerous thing from a South African point of view is to compare every young player who comes up in the system to Hall of Famers, because not every batsman can be a Hall of Famer. 'It's really important for people who are working with the young batters to understand that this is actually a good batsman, because if you compare them to Hall of Famers, then everybody is not going to be good enough. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ 'Then you're just going to say, well, 'This guy is not good enough because AB used to do this', or whoever. 'You just got to take one person at a time, identify what they're good at, and like every other player, we all have limitations, and we try and brush up on those limitations.' Mzansi, you showed UP! 🫵🇿🇦💚 Thank you to every South African who came out to OR Tambo this morning to welcome our ICC World Test Championship winners home! Your love, your flags, your voices echoed through the halls. This victory is for YOU!#WTCFinal #ProteasWTCFinal… — Proteas Men (@ProteasMenCSA) June 18, 2025 With such a youthful batting group, as a batting coach, Prince had a job to do, and that entailed being able to show the batters their true potential and encouraging them to push through the ceiling many fans around the world have placed on them. 'Something that I shared with the team beforehand, we spoke about the youthful nature of this batting line-up, which means that because they're youthful... They haven't reached their ceiling yet,' said Prince. 'Their ceiling is still coming. 'On top of that, everybody from media, spectators in the ground, people watching the game around the world, any person who watches games from an advantage point will have an opinion about every individual's ceiling and the team's ceiling. 'And the message is simple from our side: let them believe what they want to believe. 'We burst straight through the ceiling. That was the message. 'We'll burst through whatever they feel the ceiling is, and that's exactly what they did. 'Aiden Markram played an innings any person never thought he was capable of; he burst straight through the top of that.
IOL News
20-06-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
‘I am a bit fresher, and my body is feeling good': Eben Etzebeth puts injury woes behind him to get set for Springbok Tests
Eben Etzebeth (centre), seen here during Springbok training in Johannesburg this week, is ready for Test rugby after a season full of injuries at the Sharks. Photo: ITUMELENG ENGLISH Independent Media Image: ITUMELENG ENGLISH Independent Media After a frustrating United Rugby Championship campaign, where injuries derailed his participation in crucial matches for the Sharks – including the semi-final against the Bulls – Eben Etzebeth is ready to put all his energy into the Springboks' season. The centurion played a small part in the URC after a concussion and recurring symptoms kept him on the sidelines for a couple of months, before a calf strain and a knock kept him out of other games. Springboks lock Eben Etzebeth on how injuries disrupted his season. WATCH full press conference ➡️➡️➡️ — Mahlatse Mphahlele (@BraMahlatse) June 18, 2025 Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading The Sharks bowed out at the semi-final stage at Loftus Versfeld, and although he could not be part of the match, Etzebeth is fired up to get the international season going. He says he is cleared of the concussions, and will approach the international season fresh and injury-free. 'I've recovered from everything... it's all in the past," the 33-year-old said this week. 'I didn't have a good run with the Sharks, with an injury and a concussion that kept me out for about four-and-a-half months, which wasn't ideal. 'However, I recovered and got a few games with the Sharks at the back-end of the season. 'Then, I suffered a small setback at training just before the semi-final, which was a minor one. 'I am fully back in training, and excited for the Springbok season ahead.' Etzebeth said he looked at his injuries of the last few months positively, without needing to focus on anything negative. He added that it wasn't ideal that he did not play as much rugby for the Sharks as he had wanted, but at the end of the day, he could rest his body a bit more and recover properly. The towering lock also has a young family, and was able to spend time with them before the busy Test season. 'When you play week in and week out, you get battered and bruised, and you only recover from it on a Tuesday. 'I am a bit fresher, and my body is feeling good. I spent time with my family, but didn't do nothing. 'You still do rehab and work on maybe a shoulder that has been niggling you in the past... you get that back to full strength. Francois Venter 🤝 Rohan Janse van Rensburg Almost time for the Springboks to take on the Barbarians. Tickets are available here 🔗 #Springboks #ForeverGreenForeverGold — Springboks (@Springboks) June 17, 2025 'Like that, you get your entire body up to speed and strong enough to play again. 'Yes, I might not be match-sharp, but there have been plenty of other positives. Hopefully, those (niggles) don't affect me in the upcoming months.' He is eager to be involved in the Boks' first match against the Barbarians next Saturday in Cape Town. They take on the invitational side ahead of double Tests against Italy and a one-off against Georgia in the mid-year matches. While they can't do too much analysis on the Baabaas because they don't know what to expect, Etzebeth believes that they will face a strong side – which will be coached by Robbie Deans and will include the likes of Conor Murray, Peter O'Mahony and Sam Cane – eager to beat the world champions. 'Everyone wants to play (against the Barbarians). After finishing on a high last year, you want to be involved in the first (Springbok) match of the new season,' the Bok No 4 said. 'It will be an exciting game. The Barbarians have a good time during the week, but on Saturday, they pitch up. 'A few of them will play their final international game, and they will want to prove something against the Springboks.'
IOL News
19-06-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
Proteas hero Aiden Markram felt ‘all of the emotions at once' in career-defining Lord's final century
Aiden Markram takes a photo with Proteas fans at the OR Tambo International Airport this week. Photo: ITUMELENG ENGLISH Independent Media Image: ITUMELENG ENGLISH Independent Media WHEN Aiden Markram walked in to open the batting alongside Dean Elgar in Potchefstroom almost a decade ago, there had been a lot said about his potential, with many dubbing him the next Graeme Smith. After all, Markram had led the South African Under-19s to World Cup glory a few years prior, and sent the country into a state of happiness. On that day in Potchefstroom, Markram's 97 on debut further gave the country hope that it had found its next run machine, one that could potentially reach the heights that Smith achieved in his career. For the next couple of years, he would prove himself against India and Australia at home, bringing up big centuries as he solidified his place as a Test-match opener. However, a couple of years later, international bowlers finally cracked his code and learned his weakness, and the right-hander struggled. Eventually, in an attempt to try and keep such a talented player in the team, he was moved down the order, an experiment that also failed in New Zealand and England as the batter battled to make runs. Now, Markram sits with almost 3,000 Test runs at an average of 36, with eight hundreds, a set of numbers many would have never associated with him, given the hype and expectations that were placed on him. However, in the last two seasons, after being dropped a little over two years ago, he has blasted two centuries, including one in the recently concluded World Test Championship final at Lord's against a high-octane Australian pace attack. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ That knock is dubbed as one of the best innings in history because of the nature of the Test match, in that it was dominated by the bowlers who took 28 wickets in the opening two days in London. Markram scored that 136 (off 207 balls, 14x4) in the second innings following a duck in the first. 'A pair in the final... I don't think I would have slept very well,' he told the media, reflecting on the Test at Lord's. 'The ultimate goal in the second innings was just to get the first run, and then I said from there, I'll sort of tackle the rest and take the rest on. 'So, it was obviously a thought in my mind. Aiden Markram salutes the Lord's crowd after his match-winning 136 for the Proteas against Australia. Photo: AFP Image: AFP 'I think it's a thought in most batter's minds. But that was the initial thing, and then from there, it's just about staying in the game. 'I've said it, that conditions did get better for batting. The sun was out, which makes a big difference in the UK. 'Once we got through that initial sting of the new ball, it felt like we could actually occupy the crease, and we could transfer some pressure back onto them.' By the end of the third day, Markram had reached his century and barely celebrated as South Africa had 69 runs to get to win the match on day four. However, the 30-year-old said that he was emotional after stumps on day three as it had sunk in that he had scored a massive century, and was on the brink of helping the Proteas to the world title. Moreover, the opening batter highlighted his disappointment in not finishing unbeaten, as he was dismissed on a 207-ball 136. 'I think on day three, I was emotional about how things had worked out once I got back into the changing-room at stumps,' said Markram. 'But, I'm trying to get into it where you actually end up not out. I keep getting close and then giving it away. 'Even if the game is done or not, that's what the best players do, so that's sort of what you strive to try to do. Our ICC World Test Champions, the Proteas men, were welcomed in an exclusive fashion at the @SuperSportTV offices at the World of Champions. 🔥🏆#WTCFinal #WozaNawe #ProteasWTCFinal — Proteas Men (@ProteasMenCSA) June 19, 2025
IOL News
19-06-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
Proteas coach Shukri Conrad: There's so more to come from this Test team
Proteas coach Shukri Conrad enjoys the moment upon arrival at OR Tambo Airport on Wednesday. Photo: ITUMELENG ENGLISH Independent Media Image: ITUMELENG ENGLISH Independent Media Proteas coach Shukri Conrad feels that that there is more that the Test team have to offer, despite despite their brilliant performance at Lord's last week to clinch the World Test Championship crown. South Africa beat Australia by five wickets, a team currently ranked No 1 in the world in the ICC rankings. Fans flocked to OR Tambo International Airport on Wednesday to welcome the Proteas Test team after a successful trip to the United Kingdom, where they broke the country's 27-year trophy drought. However, upon the Test team's arrival in Johannesburg on Wednesday from London, Conrad reiterated his belief that the world is yet to see the full potential of his team. 'We won comfortably in the end, and I still don't think we played as well as we can play. I mean, Aiden's (Markram) probably played his best Test knock. I don't think South Africa's seen a better Test innings. KG (Ngidi), Lungi (Ngidi), all of these,' Conrad said. 'I can name the guys that have performed in this Test match, but there's so much else sitting in this change-room that scares me. 'It excites me at the same time as to where we can go with this group. 'I'm really looking forward to the next couple of years.' Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading The Home of South African Cricket📍🏢 Our ICC World Test Champions arriving at the Cricket South Africa Head Office following their historic conquest of the World Test Championship 🏆🔥. #WTCFinal #ProteasWTCFinal #WozaNawe — Proteas Men (@ProteasMenCSA) June 18, 2025 One of the key elements of this Test team that has played a key role in the side bringing the ICC mace back home is the trust that they have in each other. From the coach Conrad to the captain Temba Bavuma and the rest of the team, there is belief and backing that every individual is capable of getting the job done when called upon. Conrad highlighted that not a lot was said when SA were bowled out for 138 in the first innings or in any instance where the team had their backs against the wall, which could be attributed to the responsibility placed in every individual in the team. Moreover, just as at Lord's last week, different players stood out and made significant contributions throughout the two-year cycle leading up to the final. A triumphant reception awaited the Proteas at O.R. Tambo International Airport, where crowds gathered to give the national team a hero's welcome after they were victorious at the World Test Championship. 📷: Itumeleng English/Independent Newspapers#Proteas #cricket… — IOL News (@IOL) June 18, 2025 'I think we knew we were behind, but again, the hallmark of this team is the ability to stand up, and different guys can stand up when the occasion demands,' the SA coach said. 'When you need your Rolls-Royce to come purring down the street, then he does that, and I'm talking about Kagiso Rabada. There was no talk. 'But even before then, a nine-over spell, I've never seen Lungi bowl as much as that in his life. 'But that spell of Lungi (where he took 3/35, including the big scalp of Steve Smith) pretty much turned over the Test match in our favour. 'The world's best batsman (Smith), he stood between us chasing 280 and maybe 380, and Lungi's spell, again, on the back of criticism and all of these things... 'Our guys just know when to stand up, and this is the hallmark of this team. Different guys do it when it is required of everybody.' Although some of the stalwarts such as Rabada will be rested, the Proteas are back in action soon in a two-Test away series in Zimbabwe. The first clash starts on June 28 at Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo.
