Jesse Kriel has opened up on the level of support he received from Lukhanyo Am to reach new heights in the No 13 jersey during the 2023 World Cup.
Kriel was promoted to the Springboks’ first-choice outside centre after Am did not recover from a knee-injury suffered in a warm-up game in Argentina in time to be named in the final 33-player squad.
Am did link up with the squad at the end of the pool stages after Makazole Mapimpi suffered a tournament-ending facial injury.
However, Kriel retained the No 13 jersey through the playoffs and played a key role in helping the Springboks retain their title for the first time in their history.
In conversation with Boks Office host Hanyani Shimange, Kriel revealed how Am played a significant role in helping him prepare for tough battles against France, England and New Zealand.
“A lot of people like to make it up as number one and number two [in the pecking order], but I think Lukhanyo and I share a really special relationship,” Kriel said.
“We are really good mates on and off the field. That’s the special thing in the squad – guys actually want the best for each other and it is very rare in professional sport. During the World Cup, when he came back, he was sending me personal messages on the opposition No 13 that I was playing against.
“He was mimicking opposition outside centres in training. He was trying to be the best [France centre] Gael Fickou he could be during the week. It’s like he’s giving you pictures in training on what the opposition would present.”
Kriel added that his relationship with Am is an example of the culture being driven by Rassie Erasmus.
“That’s the thing that Rassie always speaks about. It’s about having the right people and not necessarily the best people. He said to us many times that there are better rugby players than you guys all around the world.
“However, he always speaks about having the right people in the team. I think that’s very important because when you get to squad selection, obviously you are disappointed you are not playing but you understand that you have a role to play.
“I think everyone is so clear on their roles, whether you are in the team or you are not. It’s just about understanding and putting your ego to the side and understanding what’s best for the team.
“It’s just about understanding that there is something bigger than yourself and you are playing for a country.
“I know it sounds like a cliche, but I think we really got something special here and we speak about it a lot as a team as well.
“We constantly remind each other of the importance of wearing the Springbok jersey. That is quite powerful in itself.”
Photo: Photo: Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix
The post Kriel: Lukhanyo was the best Fickou appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Src: sarugbymag.co.za
