Kriel set to return to fullback for Bulls

IT WAS two years ago that Jesse Kriel burst on to the Super Rugby and international scene, and there was talk of him becoming one of the greatest fullbacks South Africa had produced.

But Kriel’s time in the No 15 jersey was curtailed by then springbok coach Heyneke Meyer, who successfully transformed the former Maritzburg College pupil into a lethal outside centre.

While Kriel was the talk of the rugby world with his speed and skills at centre, it unfortunately had a negative impact on his abilities as a fullback.

Now he is returning to the position that elevated him to rugby stardom, and the Stormers will have to contain a refreshed and determined Kriel as he is likely to start at fullback for the Bulls at Newlands on Saturday.

And Kriel is excited at the prospect of going back to where it all started for him, especially because he has not gone to Japan in the off-season and a leg injury while playing for the Springboks late last year has kept him out of the game for a while.

Kriel feels as though he has another lease on his rugby life by playing at fullback, even though he will be keeping out another equally talented player in Warrick Gelant. He also believes this decision will enhance his career at Loftus and in the national team.

“I spoke with coach Nollis about the move back to fullback from centre, and we both decided that it would be the best thing for my career. He backs me and I back him. But regardless of which position the coach wants me to play, be it at fullback, wing or centre, I will gladly do so.

“He has created a wonderful atmosphere and culture in the team, and one feels privileged to be part of this unit. I’m really looking forward to playing at fullback where I have done a lot of work in practice during the pre-season,” said Kriel yesterday.

If the Bulls are to win Saturday’s derby at Newlands and break a five-year losing streak against the Stormers in Cape Town, then they will have to look to Kriel, not only as the catalyst for their attacks, but in allowing him to lead from the front.

Kriel made no secret that he is very comfortable playing from the back and, judging from his performances in the pre-season games, there have been enough glimpses to suggest that he is back to his best.

“I like to counter-attack and be part of the kicking strategy, which plays a big role in how the team wants to play. I’m really looking forward to playing at fullback.”

The scary part, well, for teams that will be playing against the Bulls, is that Kriel is feeling as strong as he was in his breakout season, and he is determined to put in better performances for the Bulls as they aim to win a fourth Super Rugby title this year.

“I feel that I am at my fittest, I feel really strong and it has been a while since I felt this way. I don’t think one realises how important a pre-season is mentally and physically, and I feel really refreshed and happy to have been part of the planning during pre-season. We just want to get on the field and play,” said Kriel.

“We’ve had a very good pre-season and the guys can’t wait for the big game at the weekend. It’s been long and tough and we are really looking forward to showing what we want from the season on Saturday.”