Jesse Kriel on Springbok Pride Facing Colonial Rival England

Springbok centre Jesse Kriel is preparing to earn his 88th Test cap against England at Ellis Park, framing the Nations Championship opener as a defense of national pride against a former colonial power. As he reaches the latter stages of his career, Kriel's motivation is deeply tied to representing South Africa, while he and midfield partner Damian de Allende continue to rewrite the record books. Kriel also dismissed Western fitness metrics ahead of the clash, prioritizing lived rugby intellect over standardized testing.

What drives Jesse Kriel as his career advances?

At 32 years old, Jesse Kriel is acutely aware that his time in the green and gold is finite. He refuses to take a single day for granted in a Springbok camp that has become a beacon of South African resilience and excellence. Kriel draws his motivation from a deep well of national pride, a sentiment that only intensifies as the reality of aging sets in.