WATCH: Springboks centre Jesse Kriel scores outstanding 80-metre solo try in Japan
Canon Eagles’ Jesse Kriel during the Japan Rugby League One 2023-24 match between Yokohama Canon Eagles and Toyota Verblitz at Nissan Stadium in Yokohama, Japan on December 16, 2023. Credit: AFLO/Alamy Live News
Springboks centre Jesse Kriel scored a sensational solo try in Japan Rugby League One for the Yokohama Canon Eagles against Saitama Wild Knights over the weekend.
Although the game ended in a comprehensive 43-14 defeat for Kriel’s team, it might be remembered for the South Africa international’s epic 80-metre score.
With his side trailing 10-0 early on after a penalty and converted try, the Wild Knights were looking to build on their lead as they entered the opposition 22.
Amazing pick-up
However, a loose pass was gobbled up by Kriel off his bootlaces before space opened up and he set off untouched over halfway before cleverly switching possession of the ball from his right to his left hand in order to fend the final defender and then bump him off en route to a superb individual score with 13 minutes on the clock.
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Unfortunately for Kriel’s side they went into the break 31-14 behind and could not trouble the scoreboard in the second stanza with the Wild Knights adding 12.
Despite the loss, Yokohama Canon Eagles were already assured of a semi-final place and face the same opposition in the knockout stages on Saturday, May 18 in Tokyo.
The other semi-final will see Toshiba Brave Lupus Tokyo clash with Tokyo Suntory Sungoliath on Sunday at the same venue, Prince Chichibu Memorial Rugby Ground.
Kriel form
The score from Kriel will no doubt delight Springboks head coach Rassie Erasmus as he prepares for a one-off international against Wales at Twickenham on June 22.
The Test match falls outside of World Rugby’s official international window, meaning players plying their trade for Top 14 and Premiership clubs will be unavailable.
However, Japan-based players that include the likes of Kriel, Pieter-Steph du Toit and Kwagga Smith among others, are able to link up with South Africa’s squad early.