I’m excited and honoured to lead the team: Jesse Kriel

June 27, 2025 59

Springbok centre, Jesse Kriel, says he feels honoured to be chosen to lead the team on Saturday in the Qatar Airways Cup against the Barbarians.

Captain, Siya Kolisi, is set to miss out on the match due to injury.

Coach, Rassie Erasmus, had to make the late change to his side following Kolisi’s withdrawal.

This will be the first time that Kriel leads the back-to-back World Cup champions.

Marco van Staden comes into the starting lineup as a replacement for Kolisi and is set to partner up with Vincent Tshituka and Jean-Luc du Preez in the loose trio.

The squad though remains the same as announced by Erasmus on Tuesday.

Kriel says having other leaders such Lood (de Jager), Malcolm (Marx), Damian (de Allende), Cheslin (Kolbe), and Kurt-Lee (Arendse), will make his job easier.

Springbok assistant coach, Mzwandile Stick, has called on the squad to keep their focus to lay a strong foundation for the season ahead, adding that Siya has a stiff neck and decided to not risk him for the game on Saturday.

Erasmus has meanwhile hinted at a change in the captaincy role, saying he can see younger players possibly taking on that role.

The Springboks will play about 13 tests after Saturday’s showdown, gearing up to face New Zealand, France and Ireland.

The team have a further match against Georgia in July before the opening match of the Rugby Championship against Australia in Johannesburg on August 16.

South Africa currently top the world rankings, ahead of greatest rivals New Zealand, Ireland, France and Argentina.

Flank, Vincent Tshituka, who will make his debut in Springbok colours on Saturday says he is excited to take to the field.

The match kicks off at 17h10 (SA time).

Late change to the #Springboks team as Siya Kolisi is ruled out, with Jesse Kriel taking the captaincy against the @Barbarian_FC in Cape Town tomorrow 🤝#ForeverGreenForeverGold

— Springboks (@Springboks) June 27, 2025