Kriel definitely has Bok ambitions
AT 30 years of age Jaco Kriel may very much be a senior in the Lions team, but he is young enough to still fulfil his ambition of being a regular Springbok player.
Kriel has returned to the Lions after two years playing for Gloucester (where he only played 20 games because of a spate of injuries) and hopes to again be able to pull on the green and gold jersey in years to come. Between 2016 and 2017 he made 11 appearances for the Boks, but said yesterday that he wanted more.
“I’ve definitely got Bok ambitions,” said Kriel. “If you’re a rugby player in South Africa those goals will never go away.
“I always tell people that as players we don’t always fully realise how fortunate we are when we’re up there and a part of it ... that we only realise how special and fortunate we are when we don’t get picked, when we miss out and when we are injured.”
Kriel, who followed former Lions coach Johan Ackermann to Gloucester, is currently recovering from ankle surgery, done in December, and is likely to only play for the Lions in March or April.
“I have to take it easy at the moment because the injury is a fragile one,” said the powerful flank. “I’ve started running on a special treadmill, but I’ve got to be careful.”
He said things had changed a bit in the Lions team since he was last a part of it. Gone are several of the players he played with in the Super Rugby runners-up teams of 2016, 2017 and 2018.
“There are a lot of new guys in the mix, but I do know most of them, having worked with them when they were in the junior ranks here at the union. The DNA of the Lions though hasn’t changed ... everyone still works hard, never gives up and makes sure the effort can never be faulted,” Kriel said.
Kriel, who regularly led the Lions when Warren Whiteley was injured in the past, will invariably come into the captaincy-picture when he returns to action, but he said that was the furthest thing on his mind right now.
“The leadership of the team was mentioned in the discussions (around my return), but let’s not forget I have had very little game time in the last two years and all I want to do is get on the field and play,” said Kriel.
“I just want to get going again and if the Lions feel I’m the right candidate to lead the side I’d be happy to, but I don’t want it to be forced on me. I still have to earn it ... and earn the respect of the players.”
After suffering a first-round defeat to the Jaguares in Buenos Aires last weekend, the Lions are next up against the Reds at Ellis Park on Saturday.