Leinster’s Zane Kirchner eyeing busy start to the year

Zane Kirchner is a reluctant if polite interviewee, his default expression a slightly bemused smile, the tone soft and guarded. Where his answers were once clipped tighter than a crew cut, there is now a little extra play; perhaps recognition that the more talking he does the fewer questions he'll face.

The 31-year-old South African, who joined Leinster in 2013, signed a two-year contract extension last season. A member of the Springbok World Cup squad – they narrowly lost a semi-final to the champions New Zealand – he played his only game of the tournament in the opening match defeat to Japan.

He admitted: “There were some good times off the field, and there wasn’t a lot on the field, so that’s probably it in terms of my experience. I formed a lot of bonds, but in terms of the rugby itself there wasn’t lots to talk about, so I’ll probably just leave it there.”

Kirchner has started 38 of his 53 Leinster caps, scoring eight tries, his most recent in the victory against Munster at Thomond Park. As he demonstrated in that game, when lining out in his preferred position of fullback, he contributes handsomely, sharp in both attack and defence.

Appreciated

Quite apart from his late intercept try, it was he who appreciated the space out wide, when slotting into outhalf – it was the first position he played in the sport – that pre-empted Garry Ringrose’s break and Isa Nacewa’s touchdown.

“We got a good turnover ball after a couple of defensive sets. I was the first receiver and we just tried to adapt as the game goes on. Garry had a good run, so that was good for us.

“Garry’s agility and footwork is quite good. He’s been carrying the balloon both ends, and that probably makes it much more difficult for defenders to pick up whether he’s going to pass or keep hold of the ball. As everybody knows, he’s one for the future and being called up into the Irish squad just shows his quality.”

The South African is slightly unfortunate in that he often misses out on a starting place when Ireland's player management programme needs to be enforced at provincial level, doling out game time to Irish squad members; for the most part, it is not a reflection on Kirchner's performances. Four starts in seven appearances this season, he'll be hoping to increase that figure during the upcoming Six Nations.

Leinster travel to the Ospreys on Friday before they attend to a brace of Champions Cup matches that are of academic interest. Kirchner maintains a phlegmatic outlook. "Not being a part of the rest of the competition in Europe, that is a big setback. But then, we do have a lot to focus on in the league."