Latest news with #Kriel
The Citizen
19 hours ago
- Politics
- The Citizen
AfriForum fears National Dialogue will turn into monologue
AfriForum says the National Dialogue process is at risk of being controlled by Ramaphosa loyalists. Afrikaner civil society group AfriForum has not ruled out participating in the planned National Dialogue, but is concerned about an attempt to hijack the process from civil society and make it a government issue. AfriForum CEO Kallie Kriel said the idea of a National Dialogue is a great one, but it had a false start when President Cyril Ramaphosa made pronouncements on it without consultation with other stakeholders such as civil society. Fears of government 'capture' 'From the AfriForum side, we believe dialogue is desperately needed in the interest of everybody in the country because we are experiencing crises on many fronts. That is why we are very disappointed there was a false start, or not a positive start, to this process with President Ramaphosa's announcement. 'Firstly, it seems as if there's an effort by the government to capture the process and dictate the process, while the idea originally started with the Thabo Mbeki Foundation. And the announcement by the president was done without prior consultation with anybody who has been involved.' Concerns about political loyalty Regarding the Eminent Persons' Group that Ramaphosa announced, Kriel said there were many good people in the group that he respected, but they were selected carefully to ensure that individuals would not criticise the ongoing mismanagement of the country. Kriel said some of the individuals in the group, such as Roelf Meyer, were Ramaphosa loyalists. ALSO READ: 'Bring all to dialogue': Experts insist national dialogue must be people-driven Call for genuine civil society leadership 'And you know the danger of appointing loyalists of the ANC and Ramaphosa is that this would no longer be a dialogue, it would become a monologue. 'But because this dialogue is so important, we will do what we can to make sure this process is not totally captured by the government and that civil society plays a bigger role,' said Kriel. As invitations to the National Dialogue had not yet gone out, AfriForum would wait before deciding what to do. Mbeki's idea The idea of a National Dialogue was initiated by former president Thabo Mbeki, who roped in other struggle stalwarts' foundations to participate in initial discussions. Mbeki told an SA Communist Party congress in December they would like to see the National Dialogue led by the people and civil society. He said the pre-1994 Convention for a Democratic SA was led by political parties and that should not happen again. Political analyst Khanyi Magubane said: 'We do need a National Dialogue but not another empty talk shop. The committee needs to tell us what this National Dialogue will achieve for South Africans.' NOW READ: Thandiswa Mazwai says she would've accepted invite to national dialogue had Ramaphosa sent it
IOL News
13-06-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
‘Playing in Japan makes us better players' —Jesse Kriel defends overseas-based Springboks
SPRINGBOK centre Jesse Kriel Japan, says he has become a better player because of the cross-pollination of rugby acumen. | Itumeleng English/Independent Newspapers Bulls coach Jake White, for some time, has been advocating that the Springbok players based overseas should be brought home to strengthen the local teams, but Bok centre Jesse Kriel disagrees. Kriel, who is based in Japan, says he has become a better player because of the cross-pollination of rugby acumen that occurs when players from all over the world are pooled together, as is the case in the Japanese teams. Joining Kriel in the current Bok squad preparing for the Barbarians season-opener on June 28 are fellow Japan-based players in Lood de Jager, Faf de Klerk, Damian de Allende, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Kurt-Lee Arendse, Cheslin Kolbe and Malcolm Marx. That is a hefty chunk of polished Springboks. Kriel pointed to White himself as a good example of how overseas experience can benefit a coach (or player). 'If you look at a coach like Jake, he's also coached in Japan for a few years. He coached over in France (with Montpellier) and also in Australia (Brumbies), which has probably made him a better coach. 'He probably gained a lot of IP (intellectual property) overseas from different types of players and the different ways people think, and how they want to play and approach the game,' Kriel explained. 'From my point of view, and I know a lot of the other guys share my thought process, when you go over there, you are playing with Fijians, Tongans, New Zealanders, Australians, Welsh guys, and English guys. You learn different things from everyone, and I think it's also good to observe how the game is seen differently.' It is also documented that players can prolong their careers by playing in Japan, where the leagues are less physically arduous. 'I've certainly enjoyed being over in Japan,' Kriel added. 'There are a lot fewer distractions compared to being back in South Africa. "So it's been great in terms of working on our individual games, and I think the guys that return from overseas always come back into camp pretty focused and willing to work hard. I think it's been great.' Rassie Erasmus, sitting next to Kriel in the press conference, wanted to add to Kriel's response. 'To put into perspective the debate about picking overseas players… If you look at the players that we've selected for the Springboks, I think you will find it very seldom that an overseas-based player is younger than 26 or 27. We seldom pick a young player based abroad,' the coach explained. 'I think Jasper Wiese must have been one of the youngest players that we've picked from overseas, and he was 25. 'We recently called up Juano Augustus (from Northampton), and he is 27,' Erasmus continued. 'He had been the World Rugby Junior Player of the year in 2017, and he went overseas soon after. But we did not pick him until now (after five years overseas). 'So we don't encourage a young player to go overseas, and if they do go, they know it will be difficult for us to pick them. There are very few young players that get picked from there.'
The Star
11-06-2025
- Sport
- The Star
Jack of all trades David Kriel now a master for Jake White's Bulls in URC final against Leinster
Ashfak Mohamed | Published 3 hours ago In some ways, David Kriel has been a Swiss Army knife for the Bulls over the last few years. Having started out as a fullback for the Pretoria franchise, Kriel was then shifted to wing, and eventually inside centre. This season, he has operated mainly at outside centre, and even been called upon to take over the goal-kicking at times. His best effort off the tee was undoubtedly the two match-winning kicks against Benetton and Leinster. Last October, Kriel banged over a touchline conversion after the hooter to secure the victory over Benetton in Treviso, and in March this year, he landed a penalty in the fifth minute of injury time – about 40 metres on the angle as well – to clinch a 21-20 triumph over Leinster at Loftus Versfeld. Yet, the 26-year-old from Potchefstroom missed out on Springbok selection and the United Rugby Championship Elite XV, with Munster's Tom Farrell preferred at outside centre and Sharks giant André Esterhuizen at No 12. Kriel will hope to prove once more that he should've been picked in that mythical line-up, as well as remind Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus of his qualities in Saturday's URC final against Leinster in Dublin (6pm SA time kick-off). ' I don't know why he's not on the Dream Team. He's probably played every game and I've never taken him off, so he plays 80 minutes,' Bulls coach Jake White said about Kriel from the Irish capital this week. 'I am really surprised that he's never picked up by people on how important he is. He was a fullback as a youngster, he's played wing, he's played 13, he's played 12. 'He's kicked winning kicks for us to win URC games, Leinster and Benetton this year. He's one guy who's been with us since day one. 'I'm almost sure he's played the most minutes for our team in the last four years. 'So, you're right when you say it is incredible that he hasn't been tapped on the shoulder, either for national duty, which I'm sure will come, or people in and around the game don't see the importance he has to us.' Kriel's versatility may see him being viewed as a jack of all trades, but he seems to have mastered them all too – and helping the Bulls win an elusive URC title against Leinster will crown a memorable campaign for him. White highlighted what made him shift Kriel – who stands at 1.96m and weighs about 100kg – from the back-three to the midfield. 'When we played Leinster the very first time, we played them at Aviva Stadium, we lost 31-3 (in 2021). 'I remember standing and watching (Robbie) Henshaw warm-up. And then I watched (Ciaran) Frawley come out. 'And then I watched (Garry) Ringrose come out. And I thought, the only guy that I know that is similar to these three is David Kriel. And at that stage, he was playing wing. 'And then I decided that I'm going to move him closer to the ball. 'And it was based on the fact that that opening game, when I saw the body shape and the skill-sets of what Leinster had, he was the closest that I thought that I could get. 'And I'm so glad I did that because there's no doubt in these four years, you've seen the value of what he's like. 'I think David Kriel is quick enough to be an outside back, so it makes him dangerous inside. 'He's got incredible passing skills, and defensively, understands defence. 'I think the reason for that is a bit like Jean de Villiers to me, in that he understands how you want to attack, and therefore he can read the defence. 'Often people talk about someone's a very good tackler or there's a hell of a difference. 'I'm not saying he's not a good tackler, but I'm saying people assume defence means tackling. 'And I think the one thing he does, he tackles well, but he also understands what you want to do attacking-wise. So, therefore, his defensive understanding is, for me, up there like Jean de Villiers was. 'They know the way you stand and who the dangermen are in your set-up, and he'll actually read it before you can enact the play.'
The Citizen
11-06-2025
- Sport
- The Citizen
Jake White: David Kriel understands defence like Bok legend
Vodacom Bulls coach Jake White says he was surprised by David Kriel's omission from the 2024/25 URC Team of the Season. Seven South Africans made the Elite XV selected by the media, including three Bulls – props Jan-Hendrik Wessels and Wilco Louw, and No 8 Cameron Hanekom. However, Kriel – who has started all 18 of the Bulls' URC matches this season, mostly at 13, with 1 362 minutes of game time – missed out to Munster's Tom Farrell. 'I am surprised by how people don't realise how important he is [to the Bulls],' White told the Irish media yesterday ahead of the URC final against Leinster at Croke Park on Saturday. 'He was a fullback as a youngster, he's played wing, he's played 12 and 13, he's kicked winning penalty goals for us against Leinster and Benetton this season. He's been with us from day one [under White] and I'm almost sure he's played the most minutes for us in the past four years. 'So it is incredible that he hasn't been tapped on the shoulder, either for national duty [with the Springboks], which I'm sure will come, or his importance recognised by other people.' White revealed that he had decided to move Kriel to the midfield during the warm-up of the Bulls' first-ever URC match, against Leinster at the Aviva Stadium in September 2021. 'I remember watching [Robbie] Henshaw, [Ciaran] Frawley and [Garry] Ringrose and I thought to myself that the only player we have who is similar to them in terms of body shape and skill set is David Kriel. And at that stage he was playing wing. 'It was then that I decided to move him closer to the ball and I'm so glad I did, because you've seen his value over the past four years.' When asked what makes Kriel so special, White added: 'He is quick enough to be an outside back, which makes him dangerous inside. He's got incredible passing skills and he understands defence. 'He's a bit like [former Springbok centre] Jean de Villiers to me in that he understands how [the opposition] wants to attack and can therefore read the defence. People assume defence means tackling. David tackles well but he also has that defensive understanding. He knows the way [the opposition] stand and who the danger men are in the setup and he will read the play before they can enact it.' Also read: URC REWIND: Bulls vs Leinster After booking their place in the URC final with a 25-13 win against the Sharks at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday, White spoke of the Bulls getting a 'lotto ticket' for the final. 'What I said is that if you want to win the lotto, you make sure you have a ticket,' White clarified to the Irish media. 'There are only two teams that have a ticket now, but that doesn't mean it's a lottery. 'There's a good joke where a guy asks God every day for him to win the lotto. And eventually God said, 'Meet me halfway and buy a ticket'.' Read more: Jake on 'underdogs' Bulls' final challenge Having reached three URC finals in four seasons, White said it would be 'massive' if the Bulls could finally lift the trophy on Saturday. 'I read an article about the top 15 clubs in the world and their budgets, and we weren't mentioned. And Leinster would be considered one of those top clubs. 'Playing in three finals shows that this group is good enough, but I've been around long enough to know that there's not a service award. You don't get to win trophies just because you play in finals. People think if this is your third final, then this is the one you win. But you can play in 10 finals and never win one. There is no right to win these games. 'To get over the line would be incredible for us, a massive achievement, especially for this group who I still don't think are where they could be.' Also read: We're hungrier than Bulls – Sheehan The post Jake: Kriel understands defence like Bok legend appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
IOL News
11-06-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
Jack of all trades David Kriel now a master for Jake White's Bulls in URC final against Leinster
David Kriel David Kriel (right), seen here taking on Leinster's All Black centre Jordie Barrett, has been a rock in midfield for the Bulls. Photo: BackpagePix Image: BackpagePix In some ways, David Kriel has been a Swiss Army knife for the Bulls over the last few years. Having started out as a fullback for the Pretoria franchise, Kriel was then shifted to wing, and eventually inside centre. This season, he has operated mainly at outside centre, and even been called upon to take over the goal-kicking at times. His best effort off the tee was undoubtedly the two match-winning kicks against Benetton and Leinster. Last October, Kriel banged over a touchline conversion after the hooter to secure the victory over Benetton in Treviso, and in March this year, he landed a penalty in the fifth minute of injury time – about 40 metres on the angle as well – to clinch a 21-20 triumph over Leinster at Loftus Versfeld. Yet, the 26-year-old from Potchefstroom missed out on Springbok selection and the United Rugby Championship Elite XV, with Munster's Tom Farrell preferred at outside centre and Sharks giant André Esterhuizen at No 12. Kriel will hope to prove once more that he should've been picked in that mythical line-up, as well as remind Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus of his qualities in Saturday's URC final against Leinster in Dublin (6pm SA time kick-off). 'I don't know why he's not on the Dream Team. He's probably played every game and I've never taken him off, so he plays 80 minutes,' Bulls coach Jake White said about Kriel from the Irish capital this week. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading David Kriel y la primera derrota de Leinster en la temporada — Javier Señarís Senra (@RutgerBlume) March 22, 2025 'I am really surprised that he's never picked up by people on how important he is. He was a fullback as a youngster, he's played wing, he's played 13, he's played 12. 'He's kicked winning kicks for us to win URC games, Leinster and Benetton this year. He's one guy who's been with us since day one. 'I'm almost sure he's played the most minutes for our team in the last four years. 'So, you're right when you say it is incredible that he hasn't been tapped on the shoulder, either for national duty, which I'm sure will come, or people in and around the game don't see the importance he has to us.' David Kriel soars over the try line as the Vodacom @BlueBullsRugby go one step closer to the Grand Final ✈️#BKTURC #URC | #BULvSHA — BKT United Rugby Championship (URC) (@URCOfficial) June 7, 2025 Kriel's versatility may see him being viewed as a jack of all trades, but he seems to have mastered them all too – and helping the Bulls win an elusive URC title against Leinster will crown a memorable campaign for him. White highlighted what made him shift Kriel – who stands at 1.96m and weighs about 100kg – from the back-three to the midfield. 'When we played Leinster the very first time, we played them at Aviva Stadium, we lost 31-3 (in 2021). 'I remember standing and watching (Robbie) Henshaw warm-up. And then I watched (Ciaran) Frawley come out. 'And then I watched (Garry) Ringrose come out. And I thought, the only guy that I know that is similar to these three is David Kriel. And at that stage, he was playing wing. 'And then I decided that I'm going to move him closer to the ball. 'And it was based on the fact that that opening game, when I saw the body shape and the skill-sets of what Leinster had, he was the closest that I thought that I could get. 'And I'm so glad I did that because there's no doubt in these four years, you've seen the value of what he's like. 'I think David Kriel is quick enough to be an outside back, so it makes him dangerous inside. 'He's got incredible passing skills, and defensively, understands defence. 'I think the reason for that is a bit like Jean de Villiers to me, in that he understands how you want to attack, and therefore he can read the defence. 'Often people talk about someone's a very good tackler or there's a hell of a difference.
