Captain to captain: Siya Kolisi gives Jesse Kriel seal of approval
The 34-year-old was ruled out of the Bok's upcoming match against Italy due to another physical niggle.
Jesse stepped up into the leader role in a game against the Barbarians in Cape Town last weekend.
In a sweet Instagram snap, Siya Kolisi showed love to Jesse Kriel, who would take up position as Springbok captain this weekend.
The rugby squad will play Italy at Loftus in their first test match of the year.
In the post, Siya posted a clip of an embrace with Jesse following the 2023 Rugby World Cup win. Another image shows the duo bonding over a traditional Xhosa meal spent with elders.
'Sikhokhele' [Lead us], Siya captioned the post.
In the comments, Jesse Kriel, who is fluent in Xhosa, responded: 'I love you, bra.'
Siya Kolisi's show of affection to Jesse Kriel mirrors that of his father Fezakele, who did the same during the Eastern Cape leg of the Rugby World Cup Trophy Tour in 2023.
During the stop, Kriel and fellow Springbok Deon Fourie visited the Zwide township, the home of Siya.
Siya's father, the spitting image of his rugby player son, was there to greet them. The elderly man greeted Jesse and Deon with hugs and kisses and even jokingly placed the trophy on his head.
Siya is also known for his playful and affectionate personality towards his colleagues.
Take a look… View this post on Instagram
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