The Springboks have been dealt a significant blow ahead of their Test series against Italy, with centre Jesse Kriel suffering a bone fracture during Saturday’s dominant 54-7 win over the Barbarians in Cape Town.
Kriel, who captained the Springboks in Siya Kolisi’s absence, left the field in visible discomfort after attempting a tackle in the second half. SA Rugby later confirmed that the 30-year-old sustained a small bone fracture, though the full extent of the injury and his recovery timeline are yet to be officially disclosed.
Team doctor Jerome Mampane said a full assessment was underway and that Kriel would undergo scans to determine the severity of the fracture and whether any further damage had occurred.
“It’s very unfortunate for Jesse,” said head coach Rassie Erasmus. “He has been a core part of our squad for a long time and brought great leadership today. We’ll know more after his scan results, but it does look like he’ll be out for at least the next game or two.”
Kriel had been in strong form throughout the match, playing a key role in South Africa’s defensive organisation and linking well with wings Cheslin Kolbe and Kurt-Lee Arendse in transition play. His sharp line break early in the second half also nearly led to a try for Cobus Reinach.
The injury will be a concern not just for Erasmus, but also for the Bok backline setup, which is already balancing the integration of young talents like Ethan Hooker and Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu with the experience of veterans such as Damian de Allende and André Esterhuizen.
With the first Test against Italy set for Saturday, 6 July at Loftus Versfeld, the Springbok selectors will now have to consider alternative midfield combinations, possibly accelerating Hooker’s introduction to Test rugby or shifting De Allende to outside centre — a position he has covered before.
Kriel, who has earned over 65 Test caps since his debut in 2015, has been a vital part of South Africa’s backline structure, known for his defensive discipline and work ethic. His leadership role, especially in Kolisi’s absence, had been seen as a stabilising force in a transitional Bok squad.
The Springboks will hope for positive news from Kriel’s scans, but for now, his availability for the July internationals is in serious doubt.
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