Kriel backs Ethan Adams for a bright future

The 19-year-old Adams, a former Grey College pupil, started at outside centre last weekend in the Lions’ win over Ospreys at 10Bet Ellis Park after coming on to replace Henco van Wyk, who was ruled out due to a head knock. 

“The Tank”, as he is affectionately known, put in a full 80-minute shift, gaining 55 metres from eight carries while also winning a turnover. 

Having already won the World Rugby U20 Championship in Georgia earlier this year with the Junior Boks, Adams is one of the most exciting young talents at the Lions, and Kriel believes he has the potential to become a special player.

“Ethan is 19 years old still and he’s got a lot of potential. He’s a very good player and he is very talented, and obviously when you hear guys call him the tank, I mean you can see why. He’s only 19 years old and already made his debut last week, but it’s very exciting and it’s lekker to play with him,” said Kriel

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Another player Kriel has spoken fondly about is centre Erich Cronje, who has already picked up three tries so far in the URC, scoring twice against Leinster in the Lions’ opening game of the campaign and adding to that the try he scored against Ospreys in their win over the weekend.

“He is just an absolute workhorse. He is a very good friend of mine and we’ve played together at Zebre as well, but I don’t know, a switch just flipped on him. His workrate is insane, his skillset is amazing and he just doesn’t stop.”

The Lions next assignment is against arch-rivals Vodacom Bulls on Saturday at Loftus Versfeld, where they picked up a 43-33 victory the last time this particular fixture was played there. Kriel says he hopes his side can emulate last season's performance at Loftus.

“Last year's game at Loftus was very special. I think everything just clicked that day. It was a very good team performance and hopefully we get the same result this weekend.”