Share

Kirchner fit to face Stormers

Pretoria - Springboks Zane Kirchner and Arno Botha have been declared fit for action and will be available for selection for the Bulls' opening match of the 2013 Super Rugby season against the Stormers on Friday, February 22 at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria.

Kick-off is at 19:10.

VIDEO: Bulls sing for their fans!

SuperBru: Enter and challenge the Sport24 experts

According to the Blue Bulls' website, Kirchner missed the team’s final warm-up match against the Cheetahs on Saturday due to a back strain, but it was only precautionary and he will be in line to play in his 72nd Super Rugby match.

Botha had a hamstring niggle, but has also being declared fit to fully participate in the last two weeks of pre-season, Bulls team doctor Org Strauss said on Monday.

Meanwhile, Akona Ndungane injured an ankle and will sit out for a week, while Ulrich Beyers will train again on Friday.

Flank Jacques du Plessis will sit out for two weeks due to a shoulder injury and Dewald Potgieter, Mornè Mellett and Dries Swanepoel will sit out training on Monday.

Tony Jantjies (groin, two weeks), Dawie Steyn (leg, one week), Wilhelm Steenkamp (AC joint, 3 weeks) and Marcel van der Merwe (knee rehab, end of May) are also sidelined.

Dean Greyling is out of his moon boot and his recovery from a stress fracture in his foot could see him being considered for the Stormers clash.

Louis Fouchè (hamstring) should also be back next week. 

HAVE YOUR SAY: Is Zane Kirchner a weak link in the Bulls' backline? Should the Stormers worry - or be thrilled - that he's fit for selection? Send your thoughts to Sport24.
We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
25% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1472 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2250 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE