New Springboks captain Jesse Kriel wants to show more bite than bark against Italy

The 67th Springboks Test captain Jesse Kriel says he wants to lead with actions rather than words when South Africa take on Italy at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria on Saturday.

Kriel captained the Springboks in the absence of the injured Siya Kolisi in their big win over the Barbarians in Cape Town last Saturday. But this weekend will mark the first time that the veteran centre leads the Boks out onto the field in a Test match.

On Friday, Kriel revealed that he has played under some wonderful captains at the Springboks, including Kolisi, who has supported the new captain ahead of one of the highlights of his glittering career, which include two Rugby World Cup winners’ medals, a series win over the British and Irish Lions and couple of Rugby Championship titles.

“It’s obviously very special,” Kriel told the media at the captain’s press conference ahead of the big Italy clash.

“I’m very excited and I’m in the fortunate position that I’ve got such strong leaders around me. Siya’s been incredible, Eben (Etzebeth), Handre (Pollard) … there is so much experience and the guys are willing to help, give advice and just be there when you need someone to ask a question.

“I’m extremely lucky in that sense, and very proud to lead a team that I can honestly call some of the guys my best friends. It’s a really special occasion and something that I’m really proud of.”

Kriel says he is keen to make a big personal impact on the match and pretty much lead from the front in the Springboks’ first Test of a bumper 2025 season.

After missing the Barbarians game with a neck injury, Kolisi struggled this week with an Achilles issue. However, he is expected to be back for next week’s second Test against the Italians in his hometown of Gqeberha.

“I’ve always tried to be a leader that leads by actions. When you play in a team like this, not much needs to be said,” Kriel said.

“I have great examples … such as guys like Siya. If you look at our coaching staff, they also lead by example with how hard they work and everything they put in.

“The guys lead by actions, they work hard and they get the job done. I suppose that is the kind of the blueprint I want to use in the way I want to lead and go about doing things.”

Italy has been largely written off ahead of the match, but Kriel and the Springboks are not buying it.

The centre says they have been working really hard, not only this week, but also during their pre-season camp, which wing Cheslin Kolbe described as “the toughest camp he has ever experienced with the Boks.”

“It's a massive mistake by the rugby world to write Italy off. They are an extremely passionate rugby nation and a very good rugby side,” Kriel added.

“We certainly haven’t done that and we respect them very much and we have shown that in our preparation throughout this week. It’s been an intense week and we are expecting a very passionate Italian side that comes out onto Loftus tomorrow.

“We are looking forward to the challenge and are excited about it.”

@JohnGoliath82