Kitshoff to make Test debut in PE?

Cape Town - Loosehead prop Steven Kitshoff could make his Test debut for the Springboks in the third Test against Ireland in Port Elizabeth on Saturday.

Trevor Nyakane is struggling with an ankle injury and if he fails to recover in time, then the uncapped Kitshoff will be picked on the bench for the final Test of the series.

“Trevor is battling with that injury, so there’s a big chance that Steven could feature this Saturday,” Bok coach Allister Coetzee told SA Rugbymag.

Kitshoff, 24, currently plies his trade at French club Bordeaux and Coetzee admitted that he sees a long-term future for the player in the Bok jersey. He hopes that Kitshoff would in future return to playing his rugby in South Africa.

Coetzee also confirmed that eighthmen Duane Vermeulen (elbow) and Warren Whiteley (shoulder) were struggling with injuries sustained in the Johannesburg this past weekend.

Their availability will be determined later in the week.

In the case of both unable to play, the Boks would have to pick a non-regular No 8 for the Test at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium.

Players like Sikhumbuzo Notshe and Jaco Kriel would be drafted in as loose forward cover, the Bok mentor said.

Kriel would be tried at flank, with Notshe, Francois Louw or Siya Kolisi tasked with No 8 duties.

The series is currently level at 1-1.