Kriel to take centre stage?
Springbok coach Heyneke Meyer looks set to make a few brave calls when he names his team for South Africa's opening international of the season.
Injuries will have a role to play when Meyer names the team to face a World XV at Newlands on Saturday.
There will be a replacement for Duane Vermeulen (neck surgery), Pat Lambie is also doubtful following his head clash at training on Tuesday which required sutures, scrumhalf Fourie du Preez is not fit yet and the lock resources are thin.
However, the biggest call may well be who starts in midfield and more particularly the troublesome No.13 jersey.
While captain Jean de Villiers looks set to feature in the match at Newlands, it will only be off the bench as a second-half replacement – as he eases his way back into the game, following the knee reconstruction surgery that sidelined him for eight months.
If Tuesday's training run at the Cape Town stadium is any indication, 21-year-old Bulls back Jesse Kriel will wear the No.13 jersey – with Stormers star Damian de Allende on his inside at No.12.
While some pundits will frown upon the decision, given Kriel had played most of the season at fullback for the Bulls, the former South African Under-20 star has played a lot of his rugby in the midfield.
And his combination with De Allende may just be one of the most exciting midfield pairings in many years.
The other selection indicators to come out of Tuesday's training run is that Warren Whiteley will get first crack at the No.8 jersey in place of Vermeulen; the Boks could go into the game without a recognised lock on the bench and Vincent Koch will be in the matchday 23 ahead of Springbok strongman Frans Malherbe.
However, it is Kriel's likely selection that will be the most significant.
With the team set to be named on Wednesday, Springbok assistant coach Johan van Graan was cautious not to give too much away.
However, his enthusiasm suggested Kriel may well be the bolter.
"Jessie Kriel is a special player," Van Graan told a media briefing, when asked about the formations that appeared on the training pitch.
"I've watched him since he was a schoolboy," the forwards mentor said, adding: "He is very explosive and has unbelievable speed. His decision-making is brilliant."
Van Graan described Kriel as one of the fittest guys in the team and someone with an "unbelievable work ethic".
His hunger for the game and determination to learn every day has also impressed the coaching staff.
"Every moment he is asking you about specific things that can improve him as a player," Van Graan said.
"He has had a fantastic season at No.15 for the Bulls. If he gets selected I can't wait to see what he does at international level – he can become a world class player."
The Bok assistant said Kriel brings "exciting possibilities" as a centre and has the right attributes.
Possible Springbok selection: 15 Willie le Roux, 14 JP Pietersen, 13 Jessie Kriel, 12 Damian de Allende, 11 Bryan Habana, 10 Handré Pollard, 9 Ruan Pienaar, 8 Warren Whiteley, 7 Schalk Burger, 6 Francois Louw, 5 Victor Matfield, 4 Eben Etzebeth, 3 Jannie du Plessis, 2 Bismarck du Plessis, 1 Tendai Mtawarira.
Replacements: 16 Adriaan Strauss, 17 Trevor Nyakane, 18 Vincent Koch, 19 Teboho Mohoje, 20 Marcell Coetzee, 21 Cobus Reinach, 22 Jean de Villiers, 23 Patrick Lambie.
By Jan de Koning
@King365ed
@rugby365com
