Springbok centre Jesse Kriel anticipates a unique dynamic for South Africa’s Test against Japan at Wembley Stadium this Saturday, kick-off 6.10pm. He specifically hopes to face his Canon Eagles teammates, Ryosuke Iwaihara and Kippei Ishida, should they be selected for the Brave Blossoms....Click to Read More >>➤

The match falls outside World Rugby’s official Test window. This makes South African players contracted to Premiership or United Rugby Championship clubs ineligible for selection. Coach Rassie Erasmus described this as a strategic move. It allows Japan-based Springboks, who have had less local game time, to get crucial minutes at the start of the end-of-year tour.

Nine members of the matchday 23 are currently contracted to Japanese clubs. Kurt-Lee Arendse also spent a sabbatical with Sagamihara last season. This high level of familiarity adds an intriguing layer to the contest. Following the Japan fixture, the Springboks will continue their tour against France, Italy, Ireland, and Wales.

Familiar Faces, New Challenge

Kriel expressed his excitement about the prospect. “It’s exciting, especially to play against a lot of familiar faces,” he said. “I’ve been in Japan for close to seven years now. It will be good to play with some teammates and guys I’ve played against, now in a Springbok jersey at the highest level.”

He believes this mutual knowledge will significantly impact the game’s flow. Players understand each other’s tendencies and styles. This demands tactical precision from the Springboks to neutralize the threats Japan will bring. Kriel is particularly pleased for his clubmates, Iwaihara and Ishida, to be in the Japanese squad. He described them as “unbelievably talented players” and hopes they get selected for the match.

Key Battles for Springboks Against Japan

Kriel pinpointed two critical areas where Japan will challenge the Springboks: the aerial battle and the breakdown. He emphasized that the game could be decided in these facets. “It will be very important to slow their ball down. Japanese rugby is played at a high tempo. They get the ball out of the ruck as quickly as they can and then beat you with tempo,” the Springbok centre explained.

For the Springboks, this match is the essential first step of their end-of-year campaign. A strong performance and a positive result are the immediate and sole focus. Kriel stressed the importance of starting the tour on the right note, setting a standard for the challenging European Tests that follow. The team is not looking beyond the task at hand this Saturday in London. ...Click to Read More >>➤