Springbok centre Jesse Kriel expressed satisfaction with the team's first win in Dublin since 2012, but said the team will not dwell on the victory and is already focused on the next challenge.
“This was obviously a really big target for us going into this week,” the Bok centre said afterwards. We, as a group, haven’t won here before, and I think it was something that we were all working towards. So very happy with the result. It’s obviously very special.”
Despite being pleased with the win, the team has already moved on and is looking forward to the next challenge.
“I think the great thing about this team is that we don’t dwell on the past and the things that we’ve achieved. It’s always about the next training session. It’s about pitching up each day and giving your best, and then getting the job done. So, I don’t think we’ll dwell on this for too long.”
Kriel also praised the attitude of his teammates throughout the successful 2024 season, which included the victory in Ireland.
“To our credit, I think we applied unbelievable pressure on the opposition, which forced cards and things like that,” he added. “There was a lot of stop-start, and it’s obviously quite hard, but I think the guys adapted well and we got the result.
“It was an extremely tough Test match. The guys really dug deep and got stuck into their work, and just really, really happy with the result.”
He indicated that the team is building something special, with players setting egos aside for the good of the team.
“We’ve got a Test match next week and I think that’s what makes this team special. It’s always about the next job, getting the job done. And we’ve got some big Test matches coming up over the next few years.”
“It will obviously be a massive Test match. We’ve really had some tough games throughout this series, and I think next week will be no different.”