Kriel talks about having the 'shakes' before slotting vital kick

03/26/2025 04:31 AM

VIDEO: David Kriel is not a recognised goal kicker at the Bulls but his winning kick against Leinster at Loftus on Saturday has put him in the spotlight.

The utility back has been the backup when it comes to goal-kicking the last few seasons and with the injury to Johan Goosen, he is more than willing to fulfill that role.

As far as statistics go, his 66% success rate in the United Rugby Championship is nothing to gloat about.

The 26-year-old readily admitted how nervous he was when he stepped up for that kick in the 79th minute to seal victory against the unbeaten Leinster.

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"I was really nervous when I placed my tee," Kriel told Rugby365 on Tuesday.

"Devon [Williams] actually laughed at me when he saw my hand shaking as I put it down.

"But as soon as I stood up and stepped back, I got into a relaxed mode and, like I said, I didn't overthink the kick."

That match-winning penalty came after a missed conversion attempt, a difficult kick that hit the post after Johan Grobbelaar's try.

But he wasn't fazed by that missed kick. He had the confidence and knew he just had to go through his normal routine and 'keep it simple'.

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"I just focused on sticking to my routine. It was a bit nerve-wracking at first, but once I stepped back and relaxed, it was all about staying in the moment."

"Sometimes I tend to overthink the kick and when it's more of a pressure situation, I focus on just going through my routine," he said.

"I want to apply that to all my kicks.

"I just felt very relaxed and focused on my processes. Luckily the kick went over.

"I think experience plays a big role in it, especially the one that I slotted against Benetton. It was also a pressure situation, and I'm just grateful to be in those pressure situations.

"I've got a forward pack to thank for that. The Benetton one we scored a last-minute maul try and this past weekend they demolished the scrum before we got that penalty.

"Luckily on some occasions, I pull it through."

Kriel says he is working hard at his kicking because it would be another feather in his cap and he would be happy if it was a more permanent responsibility.

"I haven't actually thought about it in that way. To me, it's just extra ammunition in my arsenal," Kriel said.

"So, it's an extra skill set that I can always work on. It's always a case of if you're not scoring tries, then score more points by going for goal.

"It's something that I will keep working on, and when I get the chance, hopefully slot a few more."