Jesse Kriel expects an arm wrestle for the No 13 jumper, while Manie Libbok focuses on his goal-kicking in the buildup to a World Cup quarter-final between the Boks and France.
In what promises to be a titanic last-eight clash between two of the world’s top teams, the Springboks and France are set to lock horns at a jam-packed Stade de France on Sunday.
The recent tussle between South Africa and the French saw Les Bleus triumph 30-26 in Marseille last November, and several pundits have tipped this year’s tournament hosts to triumph in a close contest with the defending champions.
Kriel, whose 2019 World Cup campaign lasted just one match due to injury, started against Scotland and Ireland – and scored a try coming off the bench against Tonga – in the pool stage of the current edition.
But, the 65-Test midfielder faces stiff competition from the returning Lukhanyo Am and wunderkind Canan Moodie for a shot at Fabien Galthie’s men in Paris.
“I don’t think a Springbok jersey is ever yours. I don’t think the 13 is ever mine,” Kriel told reporters on Tuesday during a Bok media conference.
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“It’s obviously been great to have Lukhanyo back as well. I think he has obviously put himself into contention for this weekend. We haven’t heard [what’s] the team yet.
“Canan is another guy who has done really well in the 13 jersey. Obviously having some game time in this World Cup has been really positive.
“Going back to the last World Cup, being injured in the first round was very disappointing and I think we’ve seen it with [Makazole] Mapimpi being on the other side seeing him leave.
“But then again it’s been great to see Lukhanyo in, he’s invaluable and a world class player and he’s really a great guy to have back in camp. He really helps a guy like myself and Moodie as well.”
Libbok felt the same about the No 10 jersey, as Rassie Erasmus and Jacques Nienaber mull whether the rookie Test playmaker or veteran Handre Pollard should start against France.
When quizzed about his chances of starting on Sunday, as well as his indifferent form on goal, Libbok said: “It doesn’t matter who is going to start. [Pollard ] is a world-class player, he has been there and done that so for me it’s awesome to have him back in the camp.
“I know what criticism is out there when it comes to my kicking but for me, I am focusing on getting it right, it is something I have to get right especially at this level where the margins are so small. I am just working hard and trying to get it right.”
Photo: Christophe Simon/AFP