Jack of all trades Kriel now a master for Bulls

IN some ways, David Kriel has been a Swiss Army knife for the Bulls over the last few years.

- ASHFAK MOHAMED

Having started out as a fullback for the Pretoria franchise, Kriel was then shifted to wing, and eventually inside centre.

This season, he has operated mainly at outside centre, and even been called upon to take over the goal-kicking at times. His best effort off the tee was undoubtedly the two match-winning kicks against Benetton and Leinster.

Last October, Kriel banged over a touchline conversion after the hooter to secure the victory over Benetton in Treviso, and in March this year, he landed a penalty in the fifth minute of injury time about 40 metres on the angle as well to clinch a 21-20 triumph over Leinster at Loftus Versfeld.

Yet, the 26-year-old from Potchefstroom missed out on Springbok selection and the United Rugby Championship Elite XV, with Munster’s Tom Farrell preferred at outside centre and Sharks giant André Esterhuizen at No 12.

Kriel will hope to prove once more that he should’ve been picked in that mythical line-up, as well as remind Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus of his qualities in Saturday’s URC final against Leinster in Dublin (6pm SA time kick-off).