Vodacom Bulls Stars Grobbelaar and Kriel Emerge as Springbok Contenders
Amidst the excitement of the 2023/24 Vodacom United Rugby Championship, two Vodacom Bulls stars, Johan Grobbelaar and David Kriel, have emerged as serious contenders for the Springbok team. The duo’s standout performances in the league this season have earned them a call-up to the national squad, setting the stage for a thrilling semi-final clash against Leinster at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday.
Johan Grobbelaar: Hooker Extraordinaire
Grobbelaar, a consistent performer at hooker, has been a crucial cog in the Vodacom Bulls’ machine, contributing to their second-ranked lineout in the league. The 26-year-old’s ball-carrying prowess and set-piece expertise have been instrumental in the team’s success, with the hooker even matching Springbok phenomenon Kurt-Lee Arendse’s tally of eight tries. Grobbelaar, who earned his first Springbok call-up during the 2021 Rugby Championship, is eager to seize his opportunity, believing that if he continues to perform well, his Test debut will eventually come.
David Kriel: Versatile Playmaker
Alongside Grobbelaar, centre David Kriel has also been a revelation for the Vodacom Bulls. Deployed as a utility back, Kriel has made the No. 12 and 13 jerseys his own this season, scoring 11 tries in 18 appearances. The dynamic playmaker relishes the physical and tactical demands of the centre position, recognizing that it provides him with the perfect platform to showcase his attacking flair and defensive acumen.
“Both Grobbelaar and Kriel were instrumental in the Vodacom Bulls’ historic victory over Leinster in the 2021-22 Vodacom URC semi-finals, a result that has only heightened their aspirations for national selection.”
With the upcoming Test series against Wales and Ireland on the horizon, the duo is determined to use the semi-final clash as a springboard to cement their place in Rassie Erasmus’ long-term plans for the Springboks.
While their Springbok debuts may have been delayed due to their commitment to the Vodacom Bulls’ quest for URC glory, Grobbelaar and Kriel are fully focused on the task at hand. The spotlight will undoubtedly be on Loftus Versfeld on Saturday, as these two rising stars look to lead the Highveld heavyweights to another momentous victory over the formidable Leinster.
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