Why Jaco Kriel in a Bok jersey again isn't an outrageous idea

As popular as he is among local rugby enthusiasts, Jaco Kriel has understandably fallen off the Springboks' radar. 30 months devastated by injuries will invariably translate into the world from any player.

Upon his return to Ellis Park in February, the 30-year-old flanker pointed out carefully how the national team had to be delayed as an ambition, simply because he first needs to play for a lengthy period of time again. Rugby fans can book British and Irish Lions Tour Tickets on our website on exclusively discounted prices.

However, as much as a Springbok jersey seems improbable at the moment, Kriel's case is intriguing. When you retired halfway through the unfortunate 2017 Rugby Championship tour of the national side, does anyone remember 57-0? - He did it at a relatively high.

Selected out of position on the blind flank by Allister Coetzee due to Siya Kolisi's convincing form, Kriel performed surprisingly well. After three rounds of that year's campaign, he completed the most tackles 39, made the third most dominant hits, and still found enough gasoline in the tank to make the most turnovers.

For a man considered a bit small for the blindside role, Kriel is 1.84m and weighs just 100kg, he did quite well. The point here is that Kriel is not going to evict a Pieter-Steph du Toit or a Duane Vermeulen. The important thing is that it is adaptable.

"Well, I once played on the wing from the bench for the Boks in 2016, he told Sport24 with a smile. I have played in many positions in my life. Most of my coaches told me to play it as I see it and I think that experience has allowed me to read the game quite well."

Jaco Kriel

Kriel is not naive: he is well aware that versatility is invariably more of a curse than a gift in South African rugby. As a result, he prudently continues to favor his beloved No. 6 jersey. Rugby fans can book British and Irish Lions Tour Tickets on our website.

"I really like being a hunter. I enjoy playing ball, said Kriel. You'll also find me defending on the broader channels, particularly when the support play comes a little late!"

Focusing on playing in the opening, regardless of whether you're in the national frame, is quite possibly the most realistic way to get back to the Springbok team. And before discarding the idea based on the perception that the national configuration today favors a more "traditional" trio composition, a reminder is necessary.

Rassie Erasmus has shown her willingness to give loose forwards like Kwagga Smith and Marco van Staden a chance.

Jacques Nienaber

In fact, if Bok coach Jacques Nienaber were to choose a local national team immediately after the Super Rugby suspension, he would face an excess of smaller "6" (captain Siya Kolisi would still be injured) in the form of James Venter, Van Staden and Marnus Schoeman.

Venter in particular flourished in a shark pattern that closely resembled Springboks. Given the skill set he has displayed in the past, a fit Kriel could easily be located internationally. Probably unlikely, but hardly absurd.

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