Kruis retires from Rugby
Former England lock George Kruis has announced he will retire from rugby at the end of the season.
Kruis established himself as one of the most proficient and dependable second rows in world rugby, as well as one of the game’s most endearing characters.
"My rugby career has been amazing, the friends and experiences I have made will shape the rest of my life," said Kruis on retiring.
Over the course of a stellar 14-year career, the lineout specialist was a physically imposing presence and made a massive difference whenever donning the white shirt. We reminisce on some of his defining Test moments.
First start in Cardiff cauldron
England were out for revenge after losing to Wales two years prior, and were intent on crashing the party in Cardiff.
You could forgive Kruis then if he was nervous; few Test matches had such an intense build-up. But if he was, he did not show it. The second-row built on the promise he had shown in the autumn to produce a consummately professional and considered performance in one of rugby’s most hostile environments.
The second row’s set-piece expertise was put to good use, and proved to be the cornerstone of England’s attack, helping them control the game in the second-half.
Stuart Lancaster’s men completed the fightback to seal a famous 21-16 win and the young lock had proven he could handle the big occasion; he was here to stay.
Maiden test try
Calcutta Cup games are predictably tight, edgy affairs and this was no exception. Both sides accumulated errors as they sought to establish an advantage.
The set-piece would prove to be where England seized their opportunity and Kruis was a critical component in establishing the visitors’ superiority there.
He won eight lineouts, double that of his counterpart Ritchie Gray, and contributed to a dominant showing in the scrum. However, it was his carrying in the first half that would best encapsulate his dogged determination throughout the contest.
The Scots were five metres from their line and under pressure off the back of an England scrum, but holding firm.
Phase after phase was repelled but their resilient defence was eventually broken when Kruis shrugged off three tackles and stretched over the line to claim his first try in Test rugby 13 minutes in.
It was the decisive blow as England went on to seal a 15-9 win in Eddie Jones’ opening game as head coach. A significant landmark in the lock’s career and a fitting reward for his efforts that day.
Astonishing showing against Azzuri
England sought to keep Eddie Jones’ unbeaten start as head coach intact when they made the trip to Rome.
The visitors were clear favourites before the whistle was blown but weren’t living up to that billing after a slow start. Italy were frustrating Jones’ men and remained within a score.
It was going to take a few standout performances to give England impetus in attack and that’s what Kruis delivered. The second row was outstanding and played a huge role in calming the nerves by setting up two of Jonathan Joesph’s tries.
He was relentless at the breakdown and disrupted the Italian pack at every opportunity. England ran out comfortable 40-9 winners in the end and it was performances like Kruis’ that laid the groundwork.
Grand Slam glory
The 2016 Six Nations was a breakout tournament for the young lock as he solidified his place in Eddie Jones’ long term plans.
Excellent showings in Edinburgh and Rome were followed up with solid performances against Ireland and Wales.
Kruis had gone from World Cup contender to forward linchpin in the space of a year; he could go at Test match level and was looking to finish the Championship in style.
It had been 13 long years since England had claimed a Grand Slam and the fabled clean sweep was just 80 minutes away. France stood in their way and sought to derail, but Eddie Jones’ men would not be denied.
England’s new lineout guru terrorised the French all evening and was a constant disrupter in defence. The wait was over, England could celebrate, and Kruis held his arms aloft to celebrate a remarkable achievement and his piece of international silverware.
Unlucky to miss out on the man of the match award, but he had sealed his spot as one of England’s bright stars.
Final flourish at Twickenham
After a rocky start to 2020 edition of the Six Nations in Paris, England got back on track with vengeful determination claiming ruthless victories over Ireland and Scotland.
Eddie Jones’ men now sought to capitalize on home advantage against a new look Wales who themselves were not as formidable an outfit as the year prior.
It was shaping up to be a high stakes contest, and proved to be Kruis’ farewell match for England at Twickenham. In a trademark performance he showed true grit, carrying impressively, marshalling the lineout, and grafting at the breakdown.
He even showed off his footwork with an impressive kick ahead after intercepting with some quick reflexes. He went out on a high, giving a performance that encapsulated all of his best qualities as England ran out 33-30 victors. A fitting conclusion to a tremendous international career.
