David Kriel wants to make Springbok dream a reality at Bulls

Most top players would hope to have made their Springbok debut – or at least be in a squad – by the age of 25.

Bulls star David Kriel, though, hasn’t been that lucky despite being a consistently strong performer over the last few seasons.

He’s had to watch many of his franchise teammates who are similarly conscientious in their displays earn Test caps this year.

The likes of lock Ruan Nortjé is the epitome of reliability, and you can include hooker Johan Grobbelaar, flank Marco van Staden and loose forward Elrigh Louw in that group too.

Young front-rower Jan-Hendrik Wessels is a bit different with his explosive ball-carries up front.

But instead of being despondent, the ever-cheery Kriel wants to prove himself once more in the United Rugby Championship to catch the attention of Bok coach Rassie Erasmus.

After a difficult outing in an unusual fullback spot in the 22-16 win over Edinburgh last week, he will hope to return to inside centre for tomorrow’s clash against Ulster at Loftus Versfeld (4pm start).

And spending time with his teammates mentioned above and other established Boks such as Kurt-Lee Arendse and Willie le Roux in Pretoria this week can only inspire him.

“If any guy gets the opportunity to play for the Springboks, he wouldn’t mind in what position it would be. I haven’t thought where I would play if I get the chance,” Kriel said after training yesterday.

“If I do get the chance, I will play anywhere. It’s been a lifelong dream for me, so whether it is at 12, 13, wing or fullback, I wouldn’t mind.

“They can even put me at lock if they want to. I would just love the opportunity to play.

“It was the first time in over a year, two years that I’ve played fullback (against Edinburgh), so it was quite an adjustment for me. Luckily that one is out of the way, and we can build on moving forward.

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“It’s a massive positive (having the Boks back at the Bulls). I mean, who doesn’t want their Springboks in the match-day squad, or even just at Loftus training with them?

“All of them who have been part of that squad have gained some valuable experience, and players like myself and the other younger guys can learn from them.”

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But while they held off Edinburgh last week, the Bulls will have their hands full in trying to get past Ulster, who will be going all out to improve from last week’s 35-22 defeat to the Lions at Ellis Park.

“Over the last few years, we’ve realised that the Irish teams are very system-driven, but also very accurate – and they’ve become more physical,” Kriel said.

“We have to step up physically and exploit them with our game plan to score as many points as possible.

“They are a quality outfit, but they are coming to Loftus, and it is a difficult place to win if you are the away team.”