David Kriel insists Bulls are not 'stupid' after Jake White criticism

Despite their 21-20 victory over Leinster at Loftus on Saturday, Kriel believes that while moments of weakness appeared, the Bulls' rugby IQ is intact.

Kriel's dramatic 85th-minute penalty kick secured the win against the previously unbeaten log leaders of the URC. It capped off a tense comeback, as the Bulls found themselves trailing 17-6 early in the second half. It was the forwards who led the charge, earning crucial scrum penalties, with Kriel's precise strike delivering the final blow.

Though the win avoided the painful prospect of a fourth home defeat this season, Bulls coach Jake White voiced frustration over the team's lack of discipline, singling out a 75th-minute red card for winger Sebastian de Klerk as a key moment.

"We've got to be smarter," White said, visibly upset. "You can't expect to contend for the top if you're making poor decisions in crucial moments. These are the kinds of mistakes that simply aren't acceptable if we want to go all the way."

White's tough critique didn't sit well with Kriel, who disagreed with the "stupidity" label, attributing some of their struggles to getting caught in the fast-paced nature of the game, particularly against an aggressive team like Leinster.

"I wouldn't call it stupidity," Kriel countered. "We sometimes find ourselves caught napping, especially against a side that thrives on quick ball. It's not about being stupid, it's just about learning from those moments."

The match-winning penalty followed a missed conversion attempt from Kriel, a difficult kick that hit the post after Johan Grobbelaar's try. That miss, however, didn't rattle Kriel's confidence. Instead, it steeled his resolve, and with the game on the line, he focused on simplicity.

"I tend to overthink kicks sometimes, especially when the pressure's on," Kriel confessed. "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."

Off the field, Kriel's rugby journey continues to grow. Recently, he joined 17 other Bulls players at a Springbok alignment camp in Cape Town. Reflecting on the experience, Kriel expressed gratitude for the opportunity, especially to learn from the likes of Rassie Erasmus, Jerry Flannery, and Felix Jones.

"It was a different environment but very similar to what we experience here at the Bulls," he said. "I learned a lot and was just grateful to be there. The coaches have such a wealth of knowledge, and it was fantastic to be a part of that."

Though the experience was rewarding, Kriel kept his focus on his own development as a player, not on Springbok selection. "I'm just focused on my game. If I get called up, that would be a massive honour," he said humbly, emphasizing his belief in controlling what he can on the field and letting his performances speak for themselves.

Kriel's mix of self-assurance and dedication to improvement continues to define him as one of the Bulls' most promising talents as they push toward further success in the competition.

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