SPOTLIGHT: Bulls centre David Kriel spoke at an online media conference ahead of his side’s United Rugby Championship clash against the Lions which could see him face his brother Richard.
Kriel expressed his excitement for the upcoming Trans-Jukskei derby.
“Any URC derby is always a good and hard challenge,” Kriel said.
“From my side and I can speak for the whole squad, we’re excited to get this derby underway.
“It’s going to be a great game and one we’re looking forward to.”
He also praised the influence the returning Springbok players have on them as a squad.
“It’s always nice to have the Springboks back [in the squad].
“The experience they bringing from the international stage benefits the whole squad – all 55 of us.
“When they’re here you can learn from them and it definitely helps with our preparation and team selection.
“It’s really a good thing to have them back.”
Kriel said his side knows what to expect from the Lions and also highlighted what the Bulls should do to contain them.
“We know the Lions love to run with the ball.
“Even more so that I have a brother that stays with me that’s at the Lions.
“He’s told me a couple of times, not when they play against us, but against other teams that they back themselves in running [the ball]
“We can see week in and out that they’re good at that part of their game.
“We’ll have to be sharp on defence, keep our numbers on our feet and just match them physically or even dominate them.
“It’s going to be a nice challenge but one we’re really excited for.”
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The 25-year-old opened up on what it’s like to face his younger brother having played against him before in the Trans-Jukskei derby.
“Last season we also played each other twice, I think it started there where there’s a lot more chirping at home.
“I’m not seeing it me against my brother, I see it as the Bulls against the Lions.
“Both of us want to win badly, but we’re going to do our best so we can come out on the winning side.”
When asked if he targets Richard in matches, he made it clear that there is no such intention from his side.
“No, not really, when I step onto the field when we’re playing the Lions when Richard’s playing or if it’s any other team, I’m fully focussed on what the team needs, staying in the game plan and the style we want to play.
“If Richard runs onto me or vice versa it will he a nice challenge but I wouldn’t necessarily look for him if it’s not there.”
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Kriel confirmed that he had a shoulder injury, but that it’s a thing of the past and that he is up for selection.
“I’m available for selection.
“I had something in my shoulder, it’s quite a long story but luckily it’s healed fully now and if selected I will be playing this weekend.”
