Jesse Kriel ‘excited and honoured’ to captain Springboks vs Barbarians
Jesse Kriel leads the Springboks in Kolisi’s absence, vows to bring leadership and pride in Barbarians clash.
©Steve Haag
Springbok veteran Jesse Kriel has expressed his excitement and humility at being named captain of South Africa for their upcoming exhibition clash against the Barbarians in Cape Town.
With regular skipper Siya Kolisi withdrawn as a precaution due to neck stiffness, Kriel has been handed the armband for Saturday’s high-profile showdown and will lead a dynamic mix of experienced internationals and rising stars.
Speaking ahead of the match, Kriel said the leadership responsibility wouldn’t change how he approaches the game.
“I’m extremely excited and honoured,” he said.
“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, a 79-cap veteran and 2019 World Cup winner, has long been part of the Springboks’ leadership core. Now, with Kolisi unavailable, the 31-year-old is ready to lead from the front and continue the Bok culture of collective responsibility.
“Whether you’ve got 100 Test matches or a guy playing in their first games, they are all leaders in their own ways,” he added, highlighting the shared accountability expected across the squad.
Kriel also reflected on how personal struggles and career setbacks have shaped his mindset.
“There are lots of ups and downs, and you learn a lot about yourself in those tough times… Those tough times have probably been the times that I’ve actually learnt to enjoy the most.”
Springbok assistant coach Mzwandile Stick confirmed that the decision to rest Kolisi was precautionary and praised Kriel’s readiness to assume the role.
“Jesse is our captain. He’s always been there as a leader, so it was an easy call for us to make,” Stick said. “Whenever we can, we try to build more leaders in the team.”
Although the match is not a full Test, Kriel stressed that the Springboks are taking it seriously, both for the crowd and the jersey.
“As a team we enjoy making a difference in South Africa and hopefully we can continue to make the country proud,” he said.
