Nel relishes coming up against Kriel

If Rassie Erasmus’ most recent squad is anything to go by, there should be at least one cracking match-up in tomorrow’s clash between the Bulls and the Stormers at Loftus Versfeld.

Ruhan Nel, surprising as that may seem given his quick rise, will make his Super Rugby debut and will have the task of competing directly against Jesse Kriel.

A former Blitzboks star, Nel was included in the national squad for the latter stages of the Rugby Championship as well as the year-end tour but didn’t play.

There’s probably no better way then for the 27-year-old Stormers midfielder to not only show his worth, but stake a Bok claim.

He’s acutely aware of the task that lies ahead.

“Jesse is a very talented player,” Nel said this week.

“He does his job very well. I know it is going to be tough. He takes a lot of pride in his work.”

Should any nerves and even doubts creep in, he’ll have the experience of another Bok centre, Damian de Allende, on his inside.

De Allende and Kriel have consistently gelled as a combination at international level.

“I’m very excited to play with Damian,” said Nel.

“For any outside centre that is the dream to have the Bok inside centre with you. He brings a lot of experience and is a calming influence too. Last year we played a couple of Currie Cup games together and got to know each other quite a bit on tour.”

Various other stalwarts were included too by coach Robbie Fleck, but the Capetonians will nonetheless be without Steven Kitshoff and Eben Etzebeth.

“Our preparations have gone well, so we are really excited to see what this combination will be able to do this weekend,” said Fleck.