Kirchner: 'New Bok waterboy'
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Springbok fullback Zane Kirchner still harbours hopes of making the South African World Cup squad.
Kirchner is enjoying a new lease of life in Ireland, and because South Africa allow players to be selected from overseas contracts, he said that it would be an honour to be named in the World Cup squad.
"We are all waiting to see the bigger squad announcement and then you will get a clear picture of where you stand as a player," said the Leinsterman.
"The World Cup is the biggest stage for a player, and it's an honour for you to be there as a bag holder, waterboy or a ball boy."
The Springbok fullback has recently been named to start at No.15 for the Barbarians when they take on Ireland at Thomdon Park, and this will give him a chance to show South Africa what he has to offer for the World Cup.
Northern hemisphere rugby allows players to participate in a different brand of the game, and diversify their skills. This is no different for Kirchner, as he has been improving different aspects of his game.
"My breakdown work has managed to be one of my biggest improvements as it's an area of great focus for me."
Kirchner was widely criticized for his kicking approach at the Bulls, but everyone knows that players play the game according to instructions and plans. However at Leinster, Kirchner says they adopt a running approach, encouraging players to score tries.
"I think from my days at the Bulls you all saw the style of play was more of kick and chase.
"Despite it not being a public favourite it worked and we managed to be quite a successful whilst using it…the silverware speaks for itself.
"We played to what the coaches and management feel was the best for the team and it was a matter of playing to our strengths," explained Kirchner.
"Leinster has us expressing ourselves and playing the running game a little more.
"The need to throw the ball around saw us ranked in the top quarter of tries scored last season."
Kirchner felt honored to participate in the final of the Pro12 2014 during his first season at Leinster, which also saw him score two tries. The tries represented the mark of a new era.
A special form of christening to the fresh new chapter he had just began. It was the perfect start to his Dublin adventure. Leinster has managed to welcome the Springbok fullback and he has been helpful to their cause.
Love him or hate him he has managed to win silverware. He is quite decorated as a player and while he may lack the attacking foray people desire from him, he remains a solid defender and manages to get the job done when asked to.
By Benedict Chanakira
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