Lucky No.13 ready to take centre stage
SPOTLIGHT: Pressure is mounting on the Springboks ahead of their encounter with the Wallabies in Sydney on Saturday – a match coming on the back of consecutive defeats Rugby Championship.
Adding to the concern is the news of injuries that ruled out veteran flyhalf Handre Pollard and their most in-form player Lukhanyo Am.
The pair have been released to their respective teams, after being ruled out of the rest of the Rugby Championship.
Both players suffered knee injuries during the 17-25 loss to the Wallabies this past weekend.
The pair’s absence is a major blow for the Springboks, who are desperate to bounce back following consecutive defeats to New Zealand and Australia.
Aside from losing key players in the leadership group, Am’s presence in the midfield will be missed.
Am has been in sublime form in a losing cause – South Africa’s most productive player, despite the Boks losing 23-35 to the All Blacks at Ellis Park and the loss to the Wallabies in Adelaide.
His absence has opened the door for 28-year-old utility back Jesse Kriel to reestablish himself as a midfield regular in the national team.
With Cheslin Kolbe (right wing) and Am (outside centre) getting established fixtures in the Bok backline, Kriel has played just bit parts in the Bok show the last few years.
#InjuryUpdate: Bad news on the injury front for @Springboks #rugby #news #AUSvRSA #RugbyChampionship https://t.co/WxoaRqV1b1
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“Lukhanyo set a great standard,” Kriel said, adding: “He has been playing amazing rugby.
“However, I don’t feel any pressure.
“I know my role and responsibility in my position.
“I’m looking forward to the challenge and very excited.”
Kriel, who scored tries in his first two Tests at outside centre – against Wallabies and All Blacks – will reunite with his former midfield partner Damian De Allende.
“I’m very excited to reunite with Damian De Allende,” Kriel said.
“Regardless of who plays in the midfield, all the guys that cover the midfield play well together. They get along well.
“Think it is another opportunity.
“We are also good friends off the field, so that makes the big difference
“It is always special playing with guys like Damian.”
#⃣WATCH as @Springboks coach Jacques Nienaber explains the reasoning behind the selection of uncapped flyer Canan Moodie for the @SanzarTRC crunch match against the @wallabies #RugbyChampionship 🏆#rugbyunion 🌍#Rugby 🏉#AUSvRSA🇦🇺V🇿🇦
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Kriel’s teammate Trevor Nyakane believes there is enough talent to fill the void left by Pollard and Am.
“Those are two of our leaders and great players with heaps of experience,” Nyakane said.
“They are very good at what they do.
“The Springboks thrive on helping each other and making everyone better.
“I think the people taking over those roles are just as good and capable.
“It is sad but Jesse and the guys come with loads of experience and we trust that the players will step up.
“I know they are capable of doing the same job.”
