Kriel to wing it for Boks?

Outside centre Jesse Kriel is likely to start on the wing for the Springboks in Saturday’s Rugby Championship clash against the All Blacks.

According to Netwerk24’s Hendrik Cronje (currently covering the Boks in Wellington) Kriel is likely to be picked ahead of Cheslin Kolbe on the wing for Saturday.

The change is made in the absence of Makazole Mapimpi, who got injured in the 33rd minute against Australia this past weekend.

Erasmus opted not to call up a replacement as Mapimpi flew home and it’s believed Jesse Kriel will shift to the right wing (where he has played once in 33 tests) with Lukhanyo Am returning to outside centre.

“We have a squad of 30 players here in Wellington and we’re not going to call up a replacement,” said Erasmus Monday.

“Makazole flew back today (Monday) and if we call up someone in his place, he will only arrive here on Wednesday and have one training session with us.”

Other changes likely to be made are Malcolm Marx and Handre Pollard to return to their starting positions.

Probable Starting XV (Via Sport24)

15 Willie le Roux, 14 Jesse Kriel, 13 Lukhanyo Am, 12 Damian de Allende, 11 Aphiwe Dyantyi, 10 Handre Pollard, 9 Faf de Klerk, 8 Warren Whiteley, 7 Pieter-Steph du Toit, 6 Siya Kolisi (captain), 5 Franco Mostert, 4 Eben Etzebeth, 3 Frans Malherbe, 2 Malcolm Marx, 1 Steven Kitshoff