The Boks set their target for three wins on their United Kingdom tour and ticked that box after a commanding victory over Wales this past weekend in Cardiff’s Principality Stadium.
It’s been a year of success for the reigning world champions, losing only two of their 13 Tests - both by one point - and claiming good wins in the 11 other matches against some of the world's top rugby nations.
Job Done 🫡🇿🇦 https://t.co/02msZca9Wi
— Jesse Kriel (@JesseKriel15) November 24, 2024
After beginning the season with a win over Wales, they concluded 2024 with a 45-12 victory against the same team, marking a positive start to the second era under head coach Rassie Erasmus on a positive note.
The Springboks end the year off as the number-one ranked rugby nation after briefly losing that spot to Ireland, while they've expanded their player base by using just over 50 Boks in the clashes.
One of the standout players for the world champions this season was Jesse Kriel, a hero of the 2023 Rugby World Cup. On Saturday he put in another excellent performance on the attack and defence to help the Boks secure the runaway victory in Cardiff.
“We set out before this tour to go unbeaten in all three matches because we haven't done it in about 10 years or so.”
“We set out before this tour to go unbeaten in all three matches because we haven't done it in about 10 years or so,” Kriel said.
The last time South Africa claimed all the spoils during their November Tests was in 2013.
“We are very happy with winning all three (matches) and the performance against Wales, it’s pretty satisfying. But, we know there is still a lot we can work on as a team. Its been a good year for us.”
While there's been plenty of rotation in the squad, Kriel and centre mate Damian de Allende excelled as South Africa's premier centre pairing. But they've had stiff competition from the likes of Lukhanyo Am and Andre Esterhuizen.
Kriel added that it was great they could use about 52 players this year, expanding the selection pool from which Erasmus could select.
“When you get the right people in a room, a year like this is possible.”
“All the guys who came in, put their hand up. When you get the right people in a room, a year like this is possible. The guys came in without egos and just wanted to get the job done and win for South Africa.
“It’s been really positive in that sense and we are building towards something special. Now it's all about going back to our clubs and getting better as a player.
“Hopefully we can contribute more when we get back together (next year) and become even better as a team.”