Stick praises Kriel's exemplary leadership ahead of Italy clash

SPRINGBOK assistant coach Mzwandile Stick says Jesse Kriel’s sporting conduct over a long period of time was instrumental in the coaching staff picking him as a stand-in captain for injured Siya Kolisi.

- MIKE GREENAWAY

Kriel has been with the Boks for a decade after making his debut in 2015 under Heyneke Meyer.

He had already amassed 29 caps when Rassie Erasmus took over as coach in 2018, while Stick had already worked with Kriel at the Boks since 2016 when Allister Coetzee was the coach.

"The story line behind Jesse is that he is a guy who has been with us for years and there was a time when he was not the number one choice," Stick said.

"That was when Lukhanyo Am was playing, and at that point Lukhanyo was probably the best 13 in international rugby.

"Jesse was always there to help him, even when he was not in the match 23.

"For a decade he has shown that he is the ultimate team man," Stick continued. "We have a lot of great leaders, but what people must understand is, first and foremost, they need to train hard to be selected.