Springboks: Jesse Kriel reveals how ‘devastating’ Andre Esterhuizen can make an impact against the Wallabies

Jesse Kriel expects a tough challenge when the Springboks host the Wallabies in Johannesburg on Saturday and is looking forward to combining with Andre Esterhuizen in the world champions’ midfield.

Springboks head coach Rassie Erasmus has named a strong matchday squad for the eagerly anticipated Rugby Championship encounter at Ellis Park.

However, first choice inside centre Damian de Allende and right wing Cheslin Kolbe have been omitted due to niggling injuries and their places in the starting line-up have been taken by Esterhuizen and Edwill van der Merwe.

De Allende and Kriel hold the record for the most capped Springboks centre pairing in history (37) but the latter is no stranger to playing with Esterhuizen who will pose a huge attacking threat to the Wallabies defence this weekend.

Kriel revealed that while the competition for places in the Boks’ midfield is tight, they are all working in tandem in order to help each other improve.

‘He’s devastating with ball in hand’

“I obviously think it’s no secret that Andre’s ball carries, I mean he’s devastating with ball in hand,” he said.

“I think he’s also got a great understanding about the game like Damian has as well and I think the two of them, it’s been so great to see how closely they work with each other to try and better each other’s games.

“I think that’s exactly what we’re all about as a unit over here, how the centres help each other to grow.

“We’ve actually buddied up and it’s constant feedback from the guy in your same position to see where you can get better, where you can show up in the other guy’s game and how he can show up in your game.

“So I think Andre’s definitely devastating with ball in hand and is a great guy for us to have to get the team going forward and like we mentioned earlier to get that attack on the front foot and get us that quick ball.

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“That’s probably one of his big standouts where he’s really good.”

Kriel was then asked if there are differences between the two inside centres and he said he expects Esterhuizen to continue with the excellent work which De Allende usually produces for the Boks, while the prospect of seeing Canan Moodie coming off the bench is also an exciting one.

“Andre was extremely good in all the Test matches he played and Doogz (De Allende) has shown over the years what an asset he is for this team,” added the 31-year-old.

‘So excited for him to show’

“So, very excited to play with Andre. I’ve played with him many times, actually quite a bit against Australia, so excited for him to show. And (I’m) also excited to get another opportunity to play again.

“Canan’s also involved, so very excited to see what he can do when he comes on. But I think it’s a great opportunity for a lot of guys.”

Meanwhile, Wallabies head coach Joe Schmidt is expected to announce his team on Thursday and Kriel expects a tough challenge from the Wallabies centre combination of Len Ikitau and Joseph Suaalii after watching them in Australia’s recent series against the British & Irish Lions.

“They’re obviously two great athletes, first of all,” he said.

“In the Lions series, they’ve showed what they can do. I think both of them have got great skill sets.

“But for us, I think we’ve put a lot of hard work over these last three weeks, and for us it’s about going out there and executing what we’ve been training, and yeah, looking forward to the challenge.”

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