Jaco Kriel goes through emotional wringer during final Lions game: 'I was almost in tears'

The Lions' now-retired loose-forward Jaco Kriel said his last steps as a professional player proved to be difficult, even though he finished his career on a high note with a 50-35 win against Zebre in the United Rugby Championship (URC).

The 33-year-old loose-forward from Standerton was a constant feature for the Lions in their height and earned his way into Bok recognition.

Injuries, though, have taken their toll and in completing his last professional game at Loftus Versfeld, he looked as battle-weary as he did at any point in his career.

MATCH REPORT | Lions give Jaco Kriel fitting send-off with 50-point clouting of winless Zebre

Because of the double-header that was hosted at Ellis Park last week and moved to Tshwane yesterday, Kriel didn't get to play his last fixture at his home ground.

But, what the trip to the capital afforded him was the last bits of being a professional rugby player that he thoroughly took in and processed.

After all, he's put in 160 minutes that he'll never put in again.

"It almost felt unreal as we drove in with the bus. I was almost in tears because you realise it's your last team meeting, last bus trip and last everything," Kriel said.

"I knew I had to get my emotions under control and do what I can on the field for the team. The 80 minutes was about going through the processes for the team.

"The first 40 minutes went by quite quickly, but when we walked out at half-time, Andries Coetzee, reminded me that I had my last 40 minutes left.

"It kicked in a bit, but during the game, you don't always worry about such. It was tough, and I started cramping. I can't remember the last time I played two consecutive 80-minute games.

"It showed that if you do it for a team, you can bite the dust and make sure