Bionic man Jesse Kriel says Springboks' conditioning has gone up a level ahead of Wallabies encounter

Ultra-fit Springbok Jesse Kriel has adorned the cover of Men’s Health magazine, exhibiting an eight-pack, so when he says the recent Springbok camp was “extremely tough,” you know it was torturous for the rest.

Kriel, who captained the Springboks in the recent series against Italy, reckons the Boks have never been fitter as they enter the Rugby Championship, starting on Saturday against the Wallabies at Ellis Park.

The 37-man Bok squad was put through their paces by their head of athletic performance, Andy Edwards. Edwards joined the Boks after 15 years with Saracens, where he powered the English team to five English Premiership league crowns and three European titles.

“A few of the guys wanted to give Andy an uppercut,” Kriel grinned. “No, it was very tough. We all know the game is getting quicker, more physical. Players are getting bigger, faster and stronger. In parallel with that, the training has to get more intense and more demanding.

“It has been exactly that. We have trained at a level and intensity probably higher than a game. Playing rugby when you are fit is lots of fun. Playing when you are unfit is no fun at all.

“We got a lot of bang out of what we put into the last three weeks of camp. Hopefully, we will reap the benefits on Saturday,” Kriel added.

With regular inside centre Damina de Allende recovering from a niggle — he is due to start next week in Cape Town in the return Test against the Wallabies — Kriel will link up with Andre Esterhuizen in the midfield.

Kriel is thrilled about the prospect of teaming up with the blockbusting Esterhuizen.

“It comes back to there being so much competition in every position in our squad,” he said. “Andre has been extremely good in all the Tests he has played.

“He is an asset to this team. I have played with many times, especially against Australia, funnily enough. I am excited that he has an opportunity. Canan Moodie is also involved, and I’m looking forward to seeing what he can do.”

Going back to the 1.95m, 114 kg Esterhuizen, Kriel says his size is a unique attribute.

“It’s no secret that Andre is devastating with ball in hand, and he also has a great understanding of the game, like Damian has as well,” said Kriel. “It’s been great to see how he and Damian have been working together and trying to help one another become better.

“That is what we are about in this team. How the centres help each other to grow. We have buddied up, and there is constant feedback from the guy in your same position to see where you can get better, where he can sharpen your game, and you can sharpen his game.

“Andre is a great guy to get us moving forward and getting us quick, front-font ball.”

Kriel played down suggestions that Australia are more battle hardened than the Springboks and said: “We will have to see on Saturday who is battle-hardened. Everyone is entitled to their opinions about what battle-hardened is, but for us, it’s about how you pitch up at training every day, and your mindset towards everything during the week.

“Ultimately, this is a good opportunity to represent South Africa, and nobody in this environment takes that lightly. We are excited about the match, and I am confident it will go well.”