Jesse Kriel, who will be pushing hard for a spot in the midfield along with Lukhanyo Am and Canan Moodie said the Boks were ready for the challenge against France in the 2023 Word Rugby quarter-final.
“The intensity of a playoff game is certainly higher than any other game so far,” said Kriel. “But we train with intensity in the week to be able to perform at that level on the weekend.”
Kriel said although the competition for the number 13 shirt is fierce they are all working and learning together: "I don't think a Springbok jersey is ever yours. I don't think the 13 is ever mine. It's obviously been great to have Lukhanyo back as well. I think he has obviously put himself into contention for this weekend. We haven't heard the team yet. Canan [Moodie] is another guy who has done really well in the 13 jersey."
"Obviously having some game time in this World Cup has been really positive. Going back to the last World Cup, being injured in the first round was very disappointing and I think we've seen it with [Makazole] Mapimpi being on the other side seeing him leave. But then again it's been great to see Lukhanyo in, he's invaluable and a world-class player and he's really a great guy to have back in camp. He really helps a guy like myself and Moodie as well."
Kriel had fond memories of the Boks winning the 2007 Rugby World Cup at Stade de France: Kriel said: “I was in grade seven at the time and I was watching in my pyjamas in the TV room at the school hostel with my twin brother, so I have good memories of that day. It’s something I’ll never forget.