As a scholar at Maritzburg College, Kriel was selected in the Sharks squad for the Under–18 Craven Week tournament, where his performance earned him an inclusion in the South African Schools side in 2012.

[6] He started in matches against France,[7] and England[8] and was an unused substitute against Wales[9] in the three-match series played in August 2012.

After finishing school, Kriel – along with twin brother Dan – made the move to Pretoria to join the Blue Bulls prior to the 2013 season.

Kriel was included in the South Africa Under-20 side for the 2014 IRB Junior World Championship,[18] and also named one of two vice-captains for the tournament.

[24] In June 2015, Kriel was named in an extended South Africa squad prior to the 2015 Rugby Championship.