Rugby
John Goliath, Special to ESPN 7y

Jesse Kriel, Jaco Kriel set to feature at Ellis Park for the Springboks

Rugby

Jesse Kriel and Jaco Kriel are set to make a return to the Springboks' match-day squad for the third and final Test against France at Ellis Park on Saturday.

Outside centre Jesse Kriel suffered a concussion in the Springboks' first match against the French at Loftus Versfeld, but is making good progress with his recovery and should be in the mix for selection.

Flank Oupa Mohoje, however, is out of the Test after sustaining a concussion in the second Test. Mohoje's injury will open the door for Lions loose forward Jaco Kriel to come onto the bench, as Jean-Luc du Preez, who was impressive after replacing Mohoje in Durban, is likely to start in the No. 7 jersey.

"We are fortunate to report only one injury, with Oupe Mohoje still symptomatic after his concussion in the first half against the French. He will not train this week and we will monitor his progress as we go forward," Springbok team doctor Konrad von Hagen said on Monday.

"The good news is that Jesse Kriel has done well with his return-to-play protocol, and if all goes according to plan he will be available for selection this week."

Jesse Kriel was one of the Boks' best players at Loftus Versfeld before he left the field with the concussion and he deserves another shot at the French next to his Bulls teammate Jan Serfontein in the centres. However, Lionel Mapoe played well at No. 13 in Durban, and it's going to be a tough decision for Coetzee in terms of who to leave out.

But that is the sort of problem the Springbok coach has been yearning for, especially after a tough 2016 when not enough players put up their hands for Test selection.

"If I look at the first Test and how well Jesse played, it is pleasing after the Super Rugby season that he has had -- he played a lot of matches at fullback for the Bulls. He has settled in quickly at outside centre. Lionel got a chance to play in Durban and did well," Coetzee said.

"I keep on saying the beauty about the current squad is that there isn't a lot to choose between the players fighting for positions. It's not nice to have injuries, but the next guy stepping in has delivered.

"It's a headache for me obviously, but I know I will make the right decision."

The same goes for the impact Du Preez made when he entered the fray in Durban. He brought physicality to the Boks' effort, as he carried well and was key man in the Boks' defensive effort.

But South Africa will miss the experience of Mohoje and the extra lineout option he provides the team. But his injury may also be blessing in disguise, as it would give a youngster like Du Preez another opportunity to get some valuable Test minutes under the belt.

Jaco Kriel can also state his case with an energetic effort off the bench after coming back from a knee injury. Kriel's style of play can be useful when the game opens up in the second half, as he is wonderful runner with the ball in hand.

"I would like to keep the continuity as far as I can. But there is also an opportunity to build capacity, and with Jean-Luc's performance over the weekend, there is an opportunity for him put his hand up," Coetzee said.

"Jaco Kriel might find himself in the 23 this weekend. I have no doubt that Jaco has recovered fully from his injury. I can see in the way he trains that he is much more confident. I can wait to see him get an opportunity in the Springbok side."

But those may be the only changes in the team, as Coetzee doesn't want to tinker too much to his team.

The coach is looking to build on the momentum they achieved in the first two Test matches, as well as building the combinations for sterner challenges in the Rugby Championship later this year.

"I would like to build capacity in the team, and that could lead to one or two changes. But we will never make changes just for the sake of it," the Springbok coach said.

"We have got combinations going and we want to keep the continuity as far as possible. But when I need to see a certain player, I would look at making a change. But not wholesale changes.

"For us it's important to grow as a team and win."

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