The world champion Springboks – who beat the British & Irish Lions in their Test series this summer – are the next opponents for Wayne Pivac’s Welsh side.
Kriel, 27, will win his 49th South African cap this weekend and knows how dangerous a side Wales are from his own personal experience.
He has started four previous games against the men in red, losing three.
Two of those losses came in Cardiff in 2017 and 2018 although Kriel did score in both matches.
👀 Eyes on the ball! #StrongerTogether #StrongerForever pic.twitter.com/QqVnw6bW2l
— Springboks (@Springboks) November 2, 2021
“They were both close Tests,” Kriel said, looking back on those two games.
“It was a different coaching staff with Wales back then, but they had a very simple game plan they executed really well.
“We just didn’t handle it as well as we should have in those two games, but it’s obviously something we’re aware of and it’s something we’ve worked hard on.
“We’ve also come a long way as a team.
“Everyone does their analysis and we watch games so you’ve always got an idea of what a team is going to bring and what their DNA is going into the game.
“But there is always that 20 per cent of what you don’t know they’re going to bring.
“So, for us it’s just about focusing on our systems and doing things the way we want to like dominating the physical part of things.
“If we do that, the rest will sort itself out.”
✅ First training session in Cardiff done! #StrongerTogether #StrongerForever pic.twitter.com/93Mr2iyz89
— Springboks (@Springboks) November 1, 2021
Kriel, who plays his club rugby in Japan with Canon Eagles, is used to playing centre but he can operate as a utility back and starts on the wing this weekend.
It will be only his third start on the wing in a Test
His versatility is key for South African head coach Jacques Nienaber who has named a strong Springbok side to face Wales.
Kriel is poised to go up against Wales and Lions wing Josh Adams in Cardiff.
“I obviously watched him a lot throughout the Lions tour and he’s a quality player,” Kriel said of Cardiff Rugby man Adams.
“I’ve played against him here in Cardiff a few times. He’s quite a big player for Wales and brings them a lot of energy.
“I’ll be looking forward to the challenge but, then again, it’s about focusing on what I need to get right to contribute to the team.
“Obviously a big factor for us is to have the whole squad together to help us keep the continuity.
“Everyone is very excited about this weekend.
“It’s not going to be easy and it will be a massive Test match.
“We’re very happy that we’ve got the same continuity going into the game.”
Wales v South Africa | Principality Stadium | Saturday 6th November 2021 | KO – 17:30
Wales v Fiji | Principality Stadium | Sunday 14th November 2021 | KO – 15:15
Wales v Australia | Principality Stadium | Saturday 20th November 2021 | KO – 17:30
