Kriel Praises Suaalii as Elite Rugby Athlete Despite Code Switch

Johannesburg’s Ellis Park still echoes with the memory of last year’s two-Test series, a fortnight where the air was thick with rivalry and physicality. Jesse Kriel, the two-time World Cup winner, stands as a monument to that era, his career defined by back-to-back triumphs in 2019 and 2023. He watched Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii score in Australia’s drought-breaking 38-22 victory, then captained the Springboks to a narrow 30-22 win in Cape Town the following week. The intensity of those matches forged a respect that transcends the code war, a mutual acknowledgment of elite athleticism in the face of high-stakes competition.

Speaking from the Central Coast camp ahead of Sunday’s clash in Perth, Kriel dismantles the skepticism surrounding Suaalii’s position. The 32-year-old South African asserts that the Wallabies star is one of the finest athletes he has ever encountered. Kriel points to Suaalii’s vertical jump, his raw speed, and his defensive prowess. He argues that the Australian media has failed to credit the depth of talent on display, labeling the criticism as a misunderstanding of the immense difficulty involved in switching codes and leagues.

Defensive mastery in the thirteenth jersey

Kriel describes the number 13 jersey as one of the most punishing positions on the pitch. It demands a unique combination of technical precision and relentless physical output. Suaalii, according to Kriel, makes this burden look effortless. The Springboks veteran cites the ability to move on the ball and the rapidity of his transitions as key factors. He notes that playing against such a player requires a level of tactical discipline that is rarely matched in the rugby world.

The debate in Australia often circles back to whether centre is Suaalii’s natural home. Kriel dismisses this query as irrelevant to the bigger picture. He emphasizes that whether playing at center, wing, or fullback, the Australian international remains a vital asset. The focus, he suggests, should be on the sheer quality of the athlete rather than the specific jersey number pinned to his back. This perspective challenges the narrow lens through which his performances have been scrutinized.

Open doors for South African talent

The conversation extends beyond individual praise to the broader landscape of talent flow. Kriel and coach Rassie Erasmus welcomed the prospect of the Perth Bears and the NRL recruiting from South Africa. They were unaware of the Bears’ hiring of David Campese to scout the region, yet both expressed support for the initiative. Kriel highlighted the depth of talent in South Africa, noting that not every elite player secures a starting spot in the national team.

For players seeking new challenges or more game time, the NRL offers a viable alternative. Kriel described the opportunity as one that any South African athlete would seize with both hands. This openness reflects a growing recognition of the NRL’s potential as a destination for high-caliber rugby talent. It signals a shift in the traditional borders of professional rugby, allowing for a more fluid exchange of skills between codes.

Respect for the league's intensity

Kriel’s appreciation for the NRL is not new. He has long admired the fitness levels and defensive work rates inherent in the league. He spent time with Kangaroos players during a shared hotel stay in London last year, a period that deepened his respect for the sport. He attended the Kangaroos’ victory over England at Wembley, witnessing firsthand the energy and pace that define the code. This exposure has cemented his belief that the NRL is a sport from which he has learned significantly.

As South Africa prepares for a potential third consecutive Rugby World Cup in Australia, the focus remains on the national team’s historic run. However, the individual journeys of players like Suaalii highlight the global nature of elite rugby. Kriel’s endorsement serves as a bridge between the two codes, emphasizing the shared values of excellence and hard work. It is a reminder that in the realm of high-performance sport, the boundaries between leagues are becoming increasingly porous.