Kriel ready to show his worth

Kriel has impressed at Super Rugby and Currie Cup level over the last few seasons and was unlucky not to be included in Heyneke Meyer's World Cup squad last year.

After impressing again in this year's Super Rugby campaign for the Lions, the 26-year-old was included in head coach Allister Coetzee's squad for the three-Test series against Ireland. However, he played no part in the first two Tests and he had to bide his time watching from the stands.

Kriel will now get his opportunity off the bench in the series decider in Port Elizabeth on Saturday and he wants to make a big impact.

"Being with the team now, I realise I have to showcase the stuff I learnt in the last couple of years and the experience I gained in Super Rugby," said Kriel 

"I can't hide now – you are under the spotlight now and millions of people are watching."

He added: "Waiting is always worthwhile if you can – at the Lions we always spoke about being patient and just doing your job. We are at the Boks now and being patient is on a whole different level with all the media going around and all the people waiting for you to play.

"It was an interesting journey for me, but I am really enjoying it a lot. This weekend, if I get my chance and I have to deliver."

Missing out on the World Cup was a big disappoint for Kriel, but he believes everything that happens to him, happens for a reason.

"Everything that happens to me, happens for me. That is something I lived by last year and I really believe it had a purpose. 

"I stayed behind and I was part of a really good Lions group that went undefeated in the Currie Cup. There was a plan behind that and we don't always understand the way life works. But I am really grateful for the position I am in now and I am really blessed to play this weekend," he added.

Kriel, who normally plays at openside flank for the Lions, said it doesn't matter if he has to cover the blindside as well on Saturday.

"It doesn't really matter where I go on, I am going to give it my all," he said. "I think they can put me on at hooker as well and I will give it my all. 

"The No.6 and No.7 roles only differs when it comes to scrum and line-out time. The rest of the game you must play your heart out, with passion and instinct, and you must just give it your all for the jersey."

By Warren Fortune, in Port Elizabeth

@FortuneWarren

@rugby365com