New Springboks captain Jesse Kriel admits it will be “very special” to lead his country when they tackle Italy in their first Test of the year on Saturday.
Kriel is set to become South Africa’s 67th Test skipper when he leads out the team at Loftus Versfeld this weekend, with regular skipper Siya Kolisi currently out injury
The centre admits the occasion will be up there as one of his proudest moments and paid tribute to his Springboks teammates who he knows will support him on the day.
Very proud
“It’s very special (to lead the team in a Test),” said Kriel. “There have certainly been a few career highlights in the past, and this occasion is up there with those, but we have a big game tomorrow, and I’m very fortunate to have guys like Siya (Kolisi), Eben (Etzebeth), Handre (Pollard) and so many other leaders in the squad to assist me.
“The fact that they are my best friends makes it even better. Obviously, our focus will be on the job at hand, but I’m very proud, and it is a big occasion for me.”
However, Kriel was quick to warn his troops over the threat Italy pose and would not be taking their opponents lightly as the Springboks look to throw down a marker.
“It would be a massive mistake for people to write them off. They are a passionate nation and a good team, and we have immense respect for them. We had an intense week of preparation, and we are expecting a big battle,” he said.
“From our perspective, we want to get the official Test season off to a good start and lay a strong base for the season ahead. We also know what a good result does for the country, and that excites us a lot.”
Meanwhile, Springboks assistant coach Mzwandile Stick was full of praise for Kriel as he prepares to captain his country for the first time in a Test against the Azzurri.
“It started with the match against the Barbarians, and the way he led the team in that match made it an easy choice to hand him the captaincy,” he said.
Ticks boxes
“There are a few things we look for in a captain, and those include working hard and leading by example, and Jesse ticks both those boxes. He is one of the hardest workers in the team and one of the best outside centres in the world, and adding to that, he leads by example, so we are proud of his achievement.”
Stick is also wary of the threat Italy will pose, adding: “Their backline is always dangerous, as we saw with their clubs in the Vodacom United Rugby Championship, and they have very skillful players, so we have to handle that tomorrow. They are also trying to build squad depth at the moment, so they are a dangerous unit.
“Adding to that, they are a well-organised team, and the way they balance their game between the forwards and backs makes them a tough opponent. One thing is for certain, if you give them space and time on attack, they can hurt you.”
