Meyer stands up for Kirchner

Editor

South Africa head coach Heyneke Meyer has defended full-back Zane Kirchner ahead of his return to international rugby.

Kirchner will start at full-back against Argentina having last appeared for his country off the bench against Scotland in 2014.

Highlighting the importance of his skill-set, Meyer stood up for the Leinster back and hinted that he may be involved in the final 31-man squad for the Rugby World Cup in September.

“Zane is probably the guy with the second – I think I’m the first now – most critics in South Africa,” Meyer joked.

“When he played 15 and Morné (Steyn) played 10 we had an 80 percent winning record.

“And then a guy like Handre Pollard comes in and scores against the All Blacks and then everybody wants him in… and then they’re the same people booing him off the field.

“As a coach you learn that you have to stick with what you believe in and Zane has always been brilliant.

“In a World Cup you need a guy who can field high balls and who can attack as well and Zane has been brilliant for us with that.