News

Kirchner sticking to the basics

July 03 2009

Bok debutant Zane Kirchner is relishing his first Test for his country against the British and Irish Lions, but don't expect anything too fancy from the in-form Bulls full-back on Saturday.

Injuries, suspension and, in South Africa's case, experimentation, have led to a raft of changes, with the Springboks keeping only five of their starting team from Loftus Versfeld and the Lions eight for the finale in Johannesburg.

That might point to a devalued match but, with both sides aware that there has never been a series whitewash between them in 118 years and with a huge amount of personal pride at stake, another mighty confrontation is on the cards.

Kirchner will make his debut in the number fifteen jersey with Odwa Ndungane and Jongi Nokwe forming an entirely new back three for the third and final Test against the men in red.

His superb form for the Bulls earned him a spot in the Emerging Boks team, and with Bok coach Peter de Villiers deciding to rest key players, he has the opportunity to Test himself against some of the northern hemisphere's elite players.

Up against Lions full-back Rob Kearney, the new kid on the Bok block is almost certain to receive a barage of high balls from the Irishman. However, Kirchner is ready for whatever the visitors throw at him.

Having played for the Emerging Boks in a 13-all draw in a rain-drenched and windswept Newlands last week, he had a taste of what the Lions are all about.

"I will take whatever comes my way, you have to be prepared for anything," he said.

"I will have to take it a few notches up and do better than I have. I'll just have to go out there and do what I do best, get the basics right first.

"Even though the series has been won, you still go out to produce a good performance and win the game... that is why you play rugby."

Kirchner was training with the Bulls on Monday morning when the call came from the Springbok management, and three hours later was running plays with the national side.

"It is unbelievable really, I'm still overwhelmed," he said.

Kirchner is a specialist full-back with an abundance of pace. He possesses a prodigious boot, has a keen sense for the counter-attack and is fearless under the high ball.

When pointed out how confident he comes across heading into his first Test in the green and gold, Kirchner was quick to play down that assessment.

"No, no, I'm definitely nervous," he laughed.

"It's my first Test after all, and I'm feeling the nerves as we speak.

"I think the last couple of games in the Super 14 resembled Test rugby. The difference will be less errors, and less time and space to operate in.

"Other than that I think I'm pretty well prepared."

By Dave Morris in Johannesburg