The Rugby Championship will be a true test for Boks – Jaco Kriel
Jaco Kriel believes the Rugby Championship will be a good challenge for South Africa
©Steve Hagg Sports
Gloucester’s Jaco Kriel admits this year’s Rugby Championship will provide a stern test for South Africa.
Kriel, who is returning to fitness after undergoing a second operation on his shoulder in March, has not played since last September and in that time, the Boks have begun a new era.
Rassie Erasmus was confirmed as the new South Africa head coach earlier this year following the departure of Allister Coetzee and already the Springboks have tasted success following their series victory over England in June.
“I am really happy for them after their win against England,” Kriel told TRU.
“It is a good start for Rassie. I really believe they will be tested in The Rugby Championship, though. That’s where the true test will come.
“It is not about this Rugby Championship or the outgoing tour at the end of the year, it is eventually about the World Cup next year. I really hope they can settle the squad and test the players to see what they can do so they can then develop the squad to be competitive in the World Cup."
South Africa begin The Rugby Championship against Argentina in Durban this Saturday and they will be aiming to use their fixtures with the Pumas, Australia and New Zealand as markers heading into next year.
Kriel is aware that it is still early days for Erasmus and this current crop of Springbok players, but he feels if they can click and develop as a side, then it could be a recipe for success.
He added: “If you look at the group, it is a nice mix of your experienced players and the young players coming through.
“Your challenge is going to be to keep that group together, keep them aligned and have a goal for them.
“I believe if you have that and that’s clear to the group, then everybody will be at their best and that’s eventually what you want from the group.”
Kriel will be keeping an eye on South Africa’s progress from the west country after moving to Gloucester earlier this summer.
The 28-year-old flanker has linked up with his former Lions coach Johan Ackermann once again as the South African contingent continues to grow at Kingsholm.
Along with Kriel, fellow Boks Ruan Dreyar, Gerbrandt Grobler and Franco Mostert have all joined the Cherry and Whites ahead of the new season.
“The first couple of days was hectic,” said Kriel. “Obviously, coming here and doing medicals, getting your life sorted and trying to find a house is hectic, but I have enjoyed it a lot with the boys.
“It is amazing to be with coach Ackys again. He is a really good coach and he knows what he is doing and I believe with this pre-season that he had with the players, they also understand what he is looking for and the way he wants to play.
“I really believe that if all of us buy into it, we will be a successful team.”
Gloucester begin the new campaign at home to Northampton Saints on September 1st and Kriel is increasing his fitness ahead of the opening weekend.
Kriel has some stern competition this season in the back row, but he is determined to focus on his own game.
“I am not match fit yet but the running fitness is coming along well and I am on a strength programme now," added Kriel. "If that goes well, I should be on the field sooner rather than later.
“If you look at the backrow, not only in Gloucester but in the Gallagher Premiership, the talent is all over so for me, the first priority will be for me to get back on the field and then be the best I can be.
“I am not focused too much on everyone around me, so I have to focus on my job and what I have to do to bring the best out of me and to bring out the best in the team.”
