Jesse Kriel led the charge and was voted MVP after the Springboks held on to beat Ireland for the first time since 2016 in the series opener at Loftus Versfeld.
In a poll run after the final whistle, 32% of fans decided that Kriel had the greatest influence for the Boks in the seven-point victory over Ireland.
Kriel was named as the official man of the match after a strong performance in midfield that saw him make 77 metres and seven tackles, as he and Damian de Allende equalled the record for most Tests a Bok centre combination.
Damian de Allende and Jesse Kriel are now on the verge of making Springbok history
pic.twitter.com/xlAa7TF1Sl
— SuperSport Rugby (@SSRugby) July 7, 2024
Pieter-Steph du Toit (19%), try-scorer Cheslin Kolbe (17%) and captain Siya Kolisi (10%) also stood out as the Springboks ended their Ireland hoodoo.
The Boks will look to make it a series clean sweep in the second Test in Durban on Saturday.
Photo: Lee Warren/Gallo Images
The post Flying Kriel a fan favourite appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Src: sarugbymag.co.za
