02 July
Kirschner in starting XV
Bulls fullback Zane Kirschner will make his debut as Springbok on Saturday against the British & Irish Lions.
The 25-year-old Bulls fullback is an unexpected addition to the Bok line-up that will try to make history by becoming the first South African team in the two sides’ 118 history to win all three tests in a series. The Springboks have won three series - in 1903, 1962 and 1968 - but never all the tests.
Kirchner joined the team on Monday at Bok coach Peter de Villiers’s request. Although it was initially said that Kirchner was invited to gain experience, De Villiers will on Thursday surprise many by announcing the name of the fullback as a member of the Bok 22-member squad.
Kirchner’s brilliant form in the Super 14 and his performance for the Emerging Boks against the Lions at Newlands, convinced De Villiers to give the Bulls star a chance.
Kirchner has played in 15 of the Bulls’ Super 14 matches and impressed with his excellent tactical kicking and his ability to win back his own high kicks.
He is also not afraid to attack and scored four tries. His defence is rock solid. “Zane will play,” said De Villiers when he was asked about the presence of Kirchner at training.
The curly-haired fullback will be a popular choice with the public because South African rugby supporters have been asking for his inclusion.
Kirchner is one of six changes that the Boks are making to the backs.
As Sport24 reported on Monday, Morné Steyn could play flyhalf, Wynand Olivier and Jaque Fourie could be centres and Jongi Nokwe and Odwa Ndungane could form the back three with Kirchner.
It will obviously be a risk to play with a new backline against the Lions but these men seemed very sure of themselves when put through their paces on Tuesday.
Springbok backline coach, Dick Muir, told Sport24 that he had a lot of confidence in Kirchner. “After working with him for the Emerging Boks, he convinced me and the rest of the coaching team that he is someone who could play the role of fullback the way we want it done. We have therefore decided to employ him earlier, rather than later, and it will be a good reward for him.”
Kirchner’s inclusion also points to him possibly being involved in the forthcoming Tri-Nations series. With regard to the other changes to the backline, Muir said it was a chance for these players to make their mark. “They are playing for a place in the starting team. It is a privilege and I hope they use it.”
Muir said there were a couple of considerations when the team were chosen. “It was a long Super 14 series. Then will come a tough Tri-Nations, after which the players have Currie Cup rugby before the tour at the end of the year. We took all these things into consideration but we will still pick the strongest possible team.”
With the series in the bag, De Villiers and his team have the freedom to reward all the players in the group. And all the supporters’ favourites — including Kirchner, Steyn, Fourie and Heinrich Brüssow will be in the team, even though the Bok coach said he didn’t pay attention to public opinion.
The Sharks eight man, Ryan Kankowski and the Bulls hooker Chiliboy Ralepelle will also be in the starting line-up, with the latter who will start in his first test.
Bakkies Botha’s case will be heard on Thursday morning and he will be included in the team if his appeal is successful. Otherwise Johann Muller and Victor Matfield will be the lock pair.
This could mean a place for Dewald Potgieter on the bench. Potgieter also trained with the Boks for the first time on Tuesday.
Source: suprsport.co.za
