Kirchner’s true test
13 Nov 2009
André Joubert says Zane Kirchner will receive an opportunity to prove his worth as a Springbok against France on Friday.
Kirchner was unfortunate to make his international debut in the third British & Irish Lions Test, where head coach Peter de Villiers experimented with a second-string side with the series already won.
The inexperienced Boks were clearly out of their depth against a weakened Lions team, as the visitors dominated the match and restored some pride with a 28-9 win.
The victory is still celebrated up north, but the biggest knock was to those Springbok players like Kirchner, who won’t have fond memories of his first Test cap.
Now the fullback will get a second opportunity in a Springbok jersey as he starts in Toulouse. Joubert believes that, with the leadership of JP Pietersen and Bryan Habana on the wings, and the experience gained from his Test debut, Kirchner will be better equipped to prove himself.
‘He can only do better from his previous Test. It wasn’t his fault, it was the selectors who picked such an inexperienced side for that match, but he has been introduced to Test rugby and hopefully it will go well for him on Friday,’ Joubert told keo.co.za.
‘The French will be a good test for him. JP and Bryan will also be a big help. They will give him confidence, make him feel comfortable and motivate him.’
Joubert noted that Kirchner would bolster the backline from an attacking perspective and his composure under the high ball was an asset.
‘Being good under the high ball will be vital against the French. You will need to be solid at the back and it will be a big contribution if he can bring the attack from behind,’ he said.
Kirchner has enjoyed a successful season with the Bulls, winning the Super 14 and Currie Cup titles. However, Joubert stressed that there is a big difference between Test and provincial rugby, and explained that Kirchner will need to adapt quickly if he wants to make the jersey his own.
‘He’s been playing behind a good Bulls team and now he finds himself playing in a quality Springbok side. He should fit in quite comfortably. There is a lot of confidence around him, so he should do well,’ said Joubert.
‘On the other hand, they are playing against a new-look French outfit, who will be really motivated playing at home. He is a newcomer in the team, so they will target him. The first quarter will be crucial [for his confidence].
‘It’s a big step from Currie Cup level to Test rugby. Friday, we will see if he’s good enough to take ownership of the jersey.’
By Gareth Duncan
23 Comments
13 Nov 2009, 07:30 am
Eis – eks nie so erg geworried oor 15 nie. Hy sal sy kant bring want hy is n Bull Dragon!
Sorry – dit het uitgeglip!
13 Nov 2009, 07:31 am
Ten miste kan die mannnetjie tackle…… maar ek hoop nie ons gaan al die tackle werk doen nie.
Wee need to give HAbs & JP some space to stretch the Frogs, and then play in the middle.
O Bloed…. ek stress al klaar!
13 Nov 2009, 07:33 am
Blue froggie DRAGONS!!!
13 Nov 2009, 07:34 am
We wish him well, and hope he produces a match winning performance.
13 Nov 2009, 07:37 am
I think he is better than ‘the king of the torpedo up-and-under’.
Btw, saw highlights of the last French test on Boots and All last night. Some suspect defence, Russel poor positioning and some bad taking high ball
13 Nov 2009, 08:10 am
I do hope that he doesn’t tackle like he usually does and tackle high. But he started a griquas he must not forget his roots
13 Nov 2009, 08:49 am
Frans come back, all is forgiven!!!
13 Nov 2009, 09:11 am
When Frans comes back after 3 years of earning Euros he’ll be rich enough to play for the Griffons!
13 Nov 2009, 09:19 am
Its now or never for Zain , I reckon he is a solid reliable player , not long term but a very good backup. I have full confidence in hima nd wish him luck.
PS- no Mention of John Smits book on keo ?? Tsk tsk , apparently it has some explosive revelations about Luke (no secret there I guess) and Ollie Le Roux !!!
13 Nov 2009, 09:27 am
I believe that’s what the Currie Cup and the Super 14 is there for!
Show you worth at these levels consistenly over a couple of seasons before trying to prove yourself at international level, epecially when you are out of your depth.
I believe we are getting it right with our cricket but not with our rugby, where numerous players are chosen when they are not ready for the step-up to international level which in many cases leads to their demise and the ruining of another career.
13 Nov 2009, 09:31 am
#9 sparticus: I believe the main reason to be that Smit fingers those, especially the media, who lambasts PDV as racists who can not except the fact that a black coach can be better than a white coach. That probably didnt go down well with Keo and his Winning Ways.
13 Nov 2009, 09:32 am
#10 iceman: We are getting it right with our cricket? Huh? Those chockers? Gimme the World Cup holding sporting code anytime!
13 Nov 2009, 10:02 am
#5 Lions_Soutie: GOOSESTEP will be back dont count him out just yet
13 Nov 2009, 10:07 am
#11 Taahirah: He also have a lot to say about Mark buddy and former Keo writter Ollie Le roux !!
Remember when Jake White made those stupid remarks about not picking Brussouw if he was in charge ? Every rugby site ran with the story , here it was as if it never happend !! LOL , same thing now I see.
13 Nov 2009, 10:15 am
#8 Lions_Soutie:
Still would have him back at the Sharks in a minute.
13 Nov 2009, 10:15 am
#12 Taahirah: The SA cricket team and NZ rugby team are the the 2 biggest chocking teams in the history of sport.
13 Nov 2009, 10:15 am
Like most I wish him well because he is now a Bok, and it must be said deserved of his chance.
Fullback is still a problem for us thought and although solid, Zane is nothing spectacular.
Perhaps he can regain the confidence he had at Griquas which made me sit up.
Lately, he has been average.
13 Nov 2009, 12:21 pm
#12 Taahirah:
I’m only talking about the selection policies. You don’t see people being selected any more who are completely out of their depth like in rugby i.e. Shimange, Maku, Chili, Ndungane twins and many many more.
The chokers label has nothing to do with selections, otherwise we would win nothing and at the moment I think we are still no. 1 in the world in both one day and test cricket.
BMT is whats lacking in our cricket.
13 Nov 2009, 12:24 pm
Cometh the hour, cometh the man!
With Jantjes back next year, Kirchner need to step up now or sink. Frans Steyn however is our best bet at 15 for 2011 – that boot of Steyn just adds another dimension to team.
13 Nov 2009, 14:02 pm
#17 PissAnt:
He’s young enough to grow into something great though. And he has potential.
You are right, he is a deserved selection.
lets hope he shows us why tonight.
13 Nov 2009, 15:11 pm
The jump from Super 14 to Test rugby is an entire dimension and Kirchner was found lacking – granted in a mish-mash ****-up of an Invitation XV – but I remain to be convinced and consider him a weak link – and far below, that’s right far below, the level of Francois Steyn who should be playing; with Jacobs at inside and this chap in his second test we have two fragile links and you can be assured that the French, playing in the South of France, will be fired up and odds on to win this one.
13 Nov 2009, 15:52 pm
#18 iceman: Nope. We 2nd in ODI’s. Chokers-label should be influencing selections, we might win a trophy of note for a chance then. If BMT is what lacks in our cricket those with the required BMT should be selected.
13 Nov 2009, 17:28 pm
#2 Staal: Ja ten minste kan die mannetjie tackle….. die helfte van die tyd! In super 14 het hy net n 50% tackle record gehad. Swakker as Earl. En Adi.
I really hope he doesn’t get exposed tonight.
Have your say
You must be logged in to post a comment.