Springboks star Jesse Kriel says Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii doesn't get the credit he deserves

Two-time Rugby World Cup winner Jesse Kriel has come out in strong defence of Wallabies centre Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, declaring the former NRL star is one of the finest athletes he has ever faced and that Australian rugby has been too slow to recognise just how good he is.

The Springboks centre, speaking ahead of South Africa's Test clash with Australia in Perth on Sunday, offered some of the most glowing praise Suaalii has received since making the switch from rugby league — and it came from the opposition camp.

Kriel: Suaalii has made the hardest position look easy

Kriel, who has faced Suaalii twice during the Wallabies' two-Test tour of South Africa last year, said the debate in Australia over whether centre is the right position for Suaalii has frankly baffled him.

"Firstly you've got to understand how hard it is to come from a different code or different league of game," Kriel said. "Secondly, I think he's been incredible for the Wallabies. I don't think he's got the credit he deserves."

The 32-year-old was particularly impressed by Suaalii's defensive work in the No.13 jersey — a position he described as among the most demanding on the field.

"He's probably one of the best athletes I've seen. His vertical jump and what he does. His ability to move on the ball and the speed in which he does. Also defensively, how great he's been," Kriel said. "You know that No.13 is probably one of the most difficult positions on the field to defend at. And he's made it look easy. I don't think the Australian media has given him the credit he deserves."

Suaalii scored a try for Australia in their 38-22 victory at Ellis Park in Johannesburg during that series — ending a lengthy Australian drought against the Springboks on South African soil — before Kriel captained the Boks to a 30-22 win in Cape Town the following week.

Kriel said that wherever Suaalii plays, he is a clear asset. "Whether he plays at centre, wing or full-back, he's a real asset to the Australian team," he said. As the Wallabies eye a sustained Rugby World Cup turnaround, having a player of Suaalii's calibre embedded in the squad looks increasingly important.

A rugby league admirer in the Springboks camp

Kriel's admiration for Suaalii is informed, at least in part, by a genuine love of rugby league. The Springbok has been openly linked with a code switch himself over the years, and spent time with Kangaroos players when the two squads shared a hotel in London last year — also attending Australia's win over England at Wembley.

"I love that sport, and so do a lot of the boys," Kriel said. "It's definitely a sport I've learnt a lot from: defensively, the amount of work they get through, the fitness levels."

Despite long being touted as an ideal NRL recruit, Kriel said he never seriously contemplated a switch during his back-to-back World Cup campaigns in 2019 and 2023, and believes he is now too old to make the move.

Springboks open to South Africans joining the NRL

The comments came as both Kriel and Springboks coach Rassie Erasmus addressed the prospect of NRL expansion clubs — including the Perth Bears — targeting South African rugby talent. The pair admitted they were unaware that the Bears had enlisted former Wallaby David Campese to scout players in South Africa, or that the NRL had more broadly identified South Africa as a significant recruitment source.

But both men voiced their support for the idea. With so many talented players in South Africa unable to secure regular game time, Kriel said opportunities abroad should be embraced.

"You've got so many good rugby players in South Africa, and not everyone can get a start," he said. "If there's an opportunity for a guy that isn't getting game time in South Africa or potentially wants to try something different, I think that's awesome. Any South African that gets presented with an opportunity like that, I think they'll jump at it with both hands."

South Africa are on track to contest next year's Rugby World Cup on Australian soil as strong favourites to claim an unprecedented third straight title — a dynasty that has made the Springboks the most revered rugby programme on the planet. Whether that depth ultimately feeds into rugby league pipelines remains to be seen.