David Kriel David Kriel has a wide variety of skills, but wasn’t recognised as a goal-kicker until recently, and it won the game for the Bulls last Saturday. Photo: BackpagePix
Image: BackpagePix
After his goal-kicking heroics at the weekend, could the Bulls call on David Kriel to line up at fullback in Saturday’s United Rugby Championship clash against Zebre?
There is a gap in the No 15 jersey after veteran Springbok Willie le Roux had surgery on Monday on his neck and shoulder area.
It is understood that it was an old injury that Le Roux had sorted out and not one picked up in last weekend’s 21-20 victory over Leinster at Loftus Versfeld.
But now he is set to be on the sidelines for several weeks.
His absence should see Keagan Johannes – who displayed some classy touches against Leinster – continue at flyhalf against Zebre, although Johan Goosen is set to resume training soon.
At fullback, Devon Williams has started in most of the games this season, while he featured off the bench against Leinster.
He should be the favourite to wear the No 15 jersey for the Zebre clash (2.45pm start), but considering Kriel’s kicking prowess, he may be a worthy option to return to his old position once more.
That could see Stedman Gans returning from concussion at outside centre.
“I’m not too sure if I’ll play fullback! We’ll have to wait and see when the team gets selected. But if I have to, I will always be ready,” a smiling Kriel said during a press conference on Tuesday.
The 26-year-old Grey College product was asked at length about his match-winning late penalty against Leinster, which came off the back of a powerful scrum that earned the vital penalty.
Having slotted a touchline conversion to beat Benetton last year, Kriel said that he thrives on the big moments.
“Sometimes I tend to over-think it. I feel like when it’s more of a pressure situation... well, I’m still working on not to over-think it, even when the pressure is not the same as it was at the weekend,” the former Western Province and Cheetahs junior said.
“It’s just something I can work on, not to over-think the kick. Just go through my routines and apply it to all my kicks.
“I was really nervous when I placed my tee. Devon actually laughed at me because he said he saw how my hand was shivering when I tried to place it down!
“But as soon as I stood up, stepped back and got into a relaxed mode, I didn’t over-think the kick.
“I just felt very relaxed, and focused on my processes. Luckily the kick went over.
“I think experience plays a big role in it, especially the one that I slotted against Benetton. It was also a pressure situation, and I’m just grateful to be in those pressure situations.”
Johannes slotted two out of three goal-kicks against Leinster, but coach Jake White said he had to leave the field due to cramp, which saw Kriel step up for the late shot.
The utility back is open to accepting more responsibility off the tee going forward, especially if he hopes to crack the Springbok nod after attending the recent alignment camp.
“I haven’t actually thought about it in that way. To me, it’s just extra ammunition in my arsenal,” Kriel said.
“So, it’s an extra skill-set that I can always work on. It’s always a case of if you’re not scoring tries, then score more points by going for goal.
“It’s something that I will keep on working on, and when I get the chance, hopefully slot a few more.
“The camp was something very new, but something I enjoyed very much.
“It’s a very high-performance environment, but nothing different to what we have here at the Bulls.
“I was just super-grateful and happy to be there. Just to learn from all the coaches... I mean, from Rassie to Jerry Flannery and Felix Jones, they all have very smart rugby heads on them.
“So, it was just a great experience to learn from them. If I get selected, it’s a massive honour.”