Rugby World Cup 2011
Springboks call for Kirchner
ESPNscrum Staff
October 1, 2011
Springboks fullback Zane Kirchner on the run, Australia v South Africa, Tri-Nations, Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane, Australia, July 24, 2010
Zane Kirchner has been called up to replace the injured Frans Steyn © Getty Images
Enlarge
Related Links
Players/Officials: Zane Kirchner | Frans Steyn
Tournaments/Tours: Rugby World Cup
Teams: Samoa | South Africa

South Africa head coach Peter de Villiers has called Zane Kirchner into his Rugby World Cup squad to fill the void left by the injured Frans Steyn.

Versatile back Steyn suffered a tournament-ending shoulder injury in the closing stages of the Springboks' victory over Samoa on Friday and the man in possession of one of the biggest boots in the game must now return to South Africa for surgery.

"I am bitterly disappointed," Steyn said. "I don't know how the injury happened - it was at a ruck when I was cleaning someone out late in the game.

"I was enjoying our campaign and the tournament, and to have it ended like this is very disappointing. But I'd just like to wish the squad all the best for the rest of the tournament."

Blue Bulls fullback Kirchner last appearance for his country came against England last November but he was included in the Boks' preliminary panel for the World Cup only to see his hopes of making the cut hindered by an injury which sidelined him for the Tri-Nations.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.

Live Sports

Communication error please reload the page.

ABOUT COOKIES

To help make this website better, to improve and personalize your experience and for advertising purposes, are you happy to accept cookies and other technologies.

More Info Here Cookie Choices