Jesse Kriel has praised the impact of veterans Morne and Frans Steyn in the current Springbok squad.
The two Steyns were selected in South Africa’s 46-man squad to take on the British & Irish Lions from next month, making them the only survivors from the 2009 Bok team that faced the Lions 12 years ago.
‘When you look at the Steyns, there’s the expectation that experienced guys would always be talking and giving advice,’ Kriel said.
‘It’s definitely not the case. They just focus on doing the basic things really well and minimising their mistakes. To them, it’s about setting an example. They set the standards at training and are fully committed.
‘When some words are needed, they step up and make good contributions when necessary. They are the type of players I look up to and we make a point of following those standards.’
While Kriel and Frans Steyn are Bok teammates, the former had not yet played alongside Morne Steyn, who kicked a match-winning long-range penalty at Loftus to level the 2009 Test series between the South Africa and the Lions; and he says potentially lining up alongside the veteran flyhalf will be special.
‘It’s really special,’ he said.
‘Back in 2009, I was still at school. I specifically remember that brilliant Jaque Fourie try and, of course, Morne’s kicking. It’s great to have Morne in the squad again.’
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Photo: Gallo Images
