AUDIO: What to expect from the new Springbok captain

Springbok centre Jesse Kriel has always been known for leading by example rather than with words.

And Saturday will be no different for the star midfielder.

Kriel will captain the Springboks against the Barbarians at Cape Town Stadium after regular skipper Siya Kolisi had to be withdrawn due to a stiff neck.

It will be the first time the world-class midfielder, who has amassed 79 caps since making his Test debut in 2015, will lead the national side.

“I’m extremely excited and honoured, but not much changes for me,” Kriel said.

“We’ve all got our roles in the team, and the big thing in the Springbok team and environment is about taking ownership; that in itself sets you up to develop as a leader, and to become a leader.

“Whether you’ve got 100 Test matches or you’re playing your first game, everyone is a leader in their own way, doing what’s needed for the team.

“That in itself over the years has helped me to develop, and I’ve been surrounded by really strong leaders in Siya Kolisi and Eben Etzebeth, Handré Pollard, just to name a few.

“I’ve been very fortunate to learn from their example.

“But not much changes, and I’m just really excited for the challenge.”

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The 31-year-old, who is usually in charge of the defence and has done his job admirably in recent years, said his leadership style is more of a quiet approach.

However, he knows that his team, which features the likes of  Lood de Jager, Malcolm Marx, Cheslin Kolbe, Damian de Allende, and Kurt-Lee Arendse, will assist him in his role.

“I don’t think I’m the biggest talker. Obviously, with the defence, I’ve always been quite vocal, because that has been my pressure point in the team.

“If you look at the team this weekend, we’ve got guys like Lood, Malcolm, and Damian [de Allende], who have played so many Test matches next to me.

“He could so easily have led the team, and he will be leading tomorrow [Saturday].

“Then you’ve got Cheslin and Kurt-Lee, who are great leaders in their own right. It just makes it so much easier.”

Kriel, who plays for the Eagles in Japan, has come a long way and has experienced quite a lot in his career.

He was part of the 2015 World Cup semifinal defeat to the All Blacks, while an injury saw him prematurely leave the 2019 World Cup-winning campaign.

He reclaimed his spot in the starting XV and was part of the side that won the 2023 title in France.

He toiled through the dark years, and Kriel said each setback made him stronger and also motivated him.

“That is the beauty of rugby. It is not always smooth sailing – there are a lot of ups and downs.

“I think you learn a lot about yourself in those tough times.

“It forces you to grow as an individual and also become a better teammate.

“Those tough times have probably been the times I’ve enjoyed the most.

“Because you learn about yourself and how special the team is. How people will help, and it makes the good times – like winning a World Cup – so much more special.

“Hopefully, there are many more good times to look forward to in the future.”

While Kolisi remains firmly in place as the captain under Erasmus’s plan, Kriel’s performance could catapult him into long‑term leadership discussions.