How Springbok great Steven Kitshoff is already leaving his mark on Ulster

Ulster boss Dan McFarland heaped praise on Springbok prop Steven Kitshoff after his side’s 22-21 win over Leinster in the United Rugby Championship.

The double Rugby World Cup-winning star joined the club at the beginning of this season but only linked up with the side after the global showpiece in France.

His arrival was timely, with the club going through a tricky patch where they lost four games on the bounce in December. However, Ulster have now responded with three wins that included triumphs over Racing 92 and now Leinster.

Great stature

McFarland believes the Springbok’s biggest asset is his mobility around the park and impressive ability to contribute to the game as a loosehead in open play.

The head coach also underlined the stature of Kitshoff as a respected player in the game and one that fills the room.

“He lands with an incredible amount of credibility, full stop. I think his play around the park is probably the biggest [asset],” McFarland told reporters.

“He spoke to us at a scrum meeting two weeks ago, and there’s something very specific about what he said that really hung in the air for the lads, I thought that was excellent.

“But it’s his stuff around the park – he carries well, he’s involved in really good defensive plays, and he’s always a jackal threat. He just moves really well.

Top man

“He’s not afraid of saying it how it is, if we need to change or someone needs to do something he’ll point it out. He’s a double World Cup winner and captained a URC-winning team, so Steven’s a top man.”

Ulster get a break this weekend, which will be welcomed after their win over Leinster, before they turn their attention to a tricky set of fixtures that will see them travel to Toulouse followed by a home clash against Harlequins.

READ MORE: Ulster expose key weakness in ‘susceptible’ Jacques Nienaber-led Leinster defence