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Plans revealed to bring Kitshoff home

Cape Town - Steven Kitshoff is the only overseas-based player in the current Springbok squad not included in Saturday's matchday 23 that will take on Ireland at Newlands. 

While Duane Vermeulen and Francois Louw have both earned starts, Kitshoff has been left out in the cold despite making the great trek over from Bordeaux in France. 

Instead, Trevor Nyakane is the loosehead cover for Tendai Mtawarira. 

It is a decision that raised a few eyebrows - why bring Kitshoff over for the series if you're not going to play him? 

But coach Allister Coetzee explained his methods, and most striking was how open he was about his desires to see Kitshoff move back to South Africa.

"Kitshy is definitely a long-term prospect for me," the coach said.

"I’ve got a plan with Kitshoff … I’d like him to play his rugby from within South Africa. He’s got a year left on his contract overseas."

Coetzee added that it was important to give Nyakane as much game time as possible given that he was being viewed as a potential 'swinger' in the future, able to play at both loosehead and tighthead.

"So if Trevor has enough Test match experience ... then I think Kitshoff will come into the reckoning," he said.

The Bok coach believes that even though the 24-year-old Kitshoff will not get his chance this weekend, he will develop into one of the best in the game.

"Just his ability … he’ll be one of the best looseheads in the next couple of years," said Coetzee.

"I rate him … that’s why he’s here.

"I’ve given him time to think about that. There will be policy coming out later from SA Rugby. It’s just what we need at this point in time."

Kitshoff was born in Paarl and has played all of his rugby at Western Province, making that his likeliest destination should he move back to South Africa.

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