David Kriel emerged as a pivotal figure in the Vodacom Bulls' thrilling 21-20 victory over Leinster at Loftus Versfeld on March 22, 2025, purposefully stepping into a goal-kicking role that secured the win with an 85th-minute penalty. This clutch moment capped off a comeback that saw the Bulls trailing 17-6 early in the second half, highlighting Kriel's resilience and willingness to perform under pressure.
In the aftermath of the match, Kriel's efforts may have him considered for a starting position at fullback in the upcoming United Rugby Championship clash against Zebre on March 29. This potential shift comes as the team grapples with the news of veteran Springbok Willie le Roux undergoing surgery on March 24 due to an existing neck and shoulder injury, sidelining him for several weeks.
“I’m not too sure if I’ll play fullback! We’ll have to wait and see when the team gets selected. But if I have to, I will always be ready,” Kriel remarked during a press conference. His versatile skills and recent performance make him a valuable asset, particularly as the Bulls plan for their next match.
On the field against Leinster, Kriel demonstrated his goal-kicking prowess when he stepped up after Keagan Johannes, who had been managing the goal-kicking duties, departed the game due to cramp. Johannes had successfully converted two out of three attempts before Kriel took the late shot that determined the match’s outcome.
The victory came at a cost, however, as Coach Jake White expressed dissatisfaction with the team's discipline, citing a red card issued to winger Sebastian de Klerk in the 75th minute. “We’ve got to be smarter,” White emphasized, critiquing his team’s decision-making in crucial moments. “You can’t expect to contend for the top if you’re making poor decisions in crucial moments,” he added, underscoring Lee's concern over maintaining composure during high-pressure situations.
Kriel defended his team's approach, countering White's description of their performance, saying, “I wouldn’t call it stupidity. We sometimes find ourselves caught napping, especially against a side that thrives on quick ball. It’s just about learning from those moments.” This moment of reflection highlights Kriel's maturity as he navigates feedback from his coach while recognizing the challenges of facing a defensive powerhouse like Leinster.
Despite a missed conversion attempt earlier in the match after Johan Grobbelaar's try, Kriel remained unfazed when given the opportunity to secure victory. “I tended to overthink kicks sometimes, especially when the pressure's on,” he confessed, illustrating the inner dialogue athletes often experience. “I just focused on sticking to my routine. It was a bit nerve-wracking at first, but once I stepped back and relaxed, it was all about staying in the moment.” His ability to compartmentalize feelings of pressure ultimately led to the victorious strike that sent the Bulls fans into a frenzy.
With Le Roux sidelined, there are significant considerations for the backline, including the likelihood of Keagan Johannes continuing at flyhalf and Devon Williams, a regular starter, probably taking up the fullback position. Stedman Gans might also make his return in the outside center position after recovering from concussion. This reshuffling illustrates the depth of the Bulls’ squad as they brace for the upcoming match against Zebre.
Reflecting on his recent experience at the Springbok alignment camp in Cape Town, Kriel expressed gratitude for the opportunity to learn from high-caliber coaches such as Rassie Erasmus and Jerry Flannery. “It was something very new, but something I enjoyed very much,” he stated, sharing insights about the competitive atmosphere at the camp. “I was just super happy and grateful to be there. Just to learn from all the coaches… they all have very smart rugby heads on them.”
Kriel’s emphasis on personal growth is evident as he expressed his focus on the present rather than dwelling on potential Springbok selections. “I’m just focused on my game,” he said humbly. “If I get called up, that would be a massive honour. I want to work on my game and my growth as a rugby player.” This dedication has begun to shape him into a leading player for the Bulls, who now look to build on their recent success in the competition.
The Bulls, feeling the weight of expectations, must keep their discipline in check while building on the confidence earned from their last-minute win against Leinster. As they move forward in their campaign, Kriel’s growth, both personally and within the team structure, will be invaluable to their ambitions this season.
