Jesse Kriel says it will be a “massive honour” to captain the Springboks against the All Blacks at Eden Park on Saturday. SIMON BORCHARDT reports.
The 31-year-old midfielder first led the Boks in July’s non-cap clash against the Barbarians in Cape Town, before becoming South Africa’s 67th Test captain in the first clash against Italy at Loftus Versfeld when Siya Kolisi was sidelined through injury.
While Kolisi is back in the starting XV for the showdown in Auckland, Kriel will retain the captaincy.
Coach Rassie Erasmus explained on Thursday that Kriel had already been told he would captain the Boks this weekend, and that Kolisi – a late replacement for the injured Jean-Luc du Preez at No 8 – actually made the decision to keep it that way.
MORE: Rassie clarifies captaincy decision
Reflecting on the responsibility on Friday, Kriel made it clear where the leadership hierarchy lies.
“I think, first of all, it just speaks volumes of the kind of leader Siya is. We all know that Siya is our captain and that he is the captain of this team.
“It’s all of us that kind of help and lead when we need to. I’ve got that role this weekend and it’s something I take massive pride in, leading this team and doing my part. But, as I’ve said many times, there are so many leaders throughout this squad – not just the 23 guys playing tomorrow. I’m talking about the entire wider group; the coaches – there are leaders in each and every area.
“So, it’s a massive privilege. I wouldn’t have thought it would be happening, but the most important thing is that I do my job and what is expected of me as a player. The rest takes care of itself. I’m extremely proud, extremely privileged – it’s a massive honour.”
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The Springboks will need all of their leadership resources on Saturday as they look to beat the All Blacks at Eden Park for the first time since 1937, while New Zealand are looking to extend their 50-match unbeaten run at the venue dating back to 1994.
“The magnitude of the game is something that excites me,” Kriel said. “As a competitor, you want to be involved in the biggest Test matches, and this is right up there. You want to test yourself against the best – whether it’s in your position or in terms of world rankings. Whatever you want to call it, it’s the ultimate test and that’s what excites you as a player.
“We know this is an extremely important game for us, one we’ve been looking forward to for a long time. Tomorrow doesn’t get any bigger or any more exciting for us as players and for people watching.”
Your #Springboks team for tomorrow’s big one at Eden Park against the All Blacks
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— Springboks (@Springboks) September 5, 2025
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The Boks head into the match on the back of a 30-22 win against the Wallabies in Cape Town, which followed a shock 38-22 defeat at Ellis Park. The All Blacks, meanwhile, are looking to bounce back from a 29-23 loss to Argentina in Buenos Aires.
Asked whether that result makes them more dangerous, Kriel replied: “The All Blacks are always a tough team to play against, regardless of whether they won or lost on the weekend. They’re quality players of the highest class and the rivalry between the Springboks and New Zealand is, in my opinion, something that’s unmatched. I don’t think the loss will make any difference – they’ll be just as motivated as they would have been if they had won. It’s going to be a great game.”
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Adding to the occasion, Ardie Savea is set to win his 100th Test cap for the All Blacks. Kriel was full of praise for the star loose forward.
“What stands out about him is the big moments. He has massive moments in games wherever he plays. I’ve played against him in Japan, in Super Rugby and in Test matches, and you always see him putting up his hand and making big moments in Test matches. He works hard and he’s a big figure for them who leads by his actions.
“It’s a massive occasion and a big milestone for him – an awesome achievement.”
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Photo: Phil Walter/Getty Images
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