No stress for Jesse Kriel in filling Boks' Am-sized hole: 'You just keep to task'

Jesse Kriel firmly believes he hasn't been saddled up with the extra burden of emulating the irrepressible but now injured Lukhanyo Am.

The 28-year-old midfielder, predominantly considered a squad member nowadays after his teammate took the game by storm at the 2019 World Cup and onwards, seemingly has an extended opportunity to stake his claim again following Wednesday's confirmation that Am's knee problem will keep him out for the rest of the Rugby Championship.

And he'll do it his way.

"I don't feel any extra pressure at all. Lukhanyo has been setting a great standard and has played amazing rugby," Kriel said ahead of Saturday's rematch with the Wallabies in Sydney.

"I know what roles and responsibilities I have to execute. I'm just going to go out and give it my best."

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If that sounds a tad blunt and simple for sceptics, those reservations can be alleviated by the knowledge that Kriel and Damian de Allende's partnership is an established one that has tasted much success, notably as early as their first year together back in 2015 under Heyneke Meyer.

Proven performer

The duo were Meyer's most consistent backs at that year's World Cup and notably put the All Blacks to the sword at Loftus in 2018.

"It's great being in midfield with Damian. That said, it doesn’t really matter who’s in the respective positions for us, all the guys play well together and get along," said Kriel.

"We're good friends and that does make a difference. It's special playing with a proven performer like Damian."

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For his part, senior prop and front row leader Trevor Nyakane is also highly confident in Kriel's ability to fill what