Super Rugby
Kirchner fit to face Crusaders
ESPNscrum Staff
April 5, 2011
The Bulls' Jaco Pretorius and Zane Kirchner run some moves in training, Bulls training session, Loftus Versfeld Stadium, Pretoria, South Africa, Marc 2, 2011
Zane Kirchner has been cleared to start for the Bulls © Getty Images
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Zane Kirchner has been passed fit to start the Bulls' huge Super Rugby clash with the Crusaders in Timaru on Saturday.

The Springbok fullback picked up a knee strain in last weekend's 24-16 victory over the Hurricanes, but has been cleared for a tie that pits the reigning champions against the tournament's form side.

In the only change to the matchday 22 from last time out, Danie Rossouw returns among the replacements following maternity leave.

"They certainly don't come much harder than this one," Bulls boss Frans Ludeke said. "The Crusaders are playing great rugby, but we have shown in the past that we never shy away from huge challenges.

"More importantly for us will be our own desire to improve every week. Last weekend showed massive improvement, but we will need another massive step-up to beat the Crusaders."

Bulls skipper Victor Matfield believes that they can complete the job if they play to their strengths. "On recent tours we came close in toppling the Crusaders at home. We know what we do best and if we execute that well, we will be in with a real chance," he said.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.

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