THE DREADLOCKS HAVE been shorn as Zane Kirchner continues to fly under the radar with Leinster.
Injury delayed the South African’s start to life in blue and just three starts have arrived since he made an October debut against Connacht at the RDS. Kirchner was on the pitch for nine minutes against Pat Lam’s men and witnessed a late comeback victory. Taking the points while not playing well — the Springbok could not have planned a better introduction to Leinster’s winning mentality.
Four more victories followed, including a first try [Scarlets] and cameo role in a fine Heineken Cup away win [Northampton]. Defeats have followed, however, in the return tie with Saints and last time out against Edinburgh. In-form Ulster are up next at the RDS and Kirchner is keenly aware that a home win is a red-flag priority.
“They’ve won 11 of their past 12 games,” he told TheScore.ie, ”so I know whatever their performance last weekend, I know they’ll be coming out guns blazing against us this weekend again. It’s going to be a massive clash.
“Coming from a loss this week in Edinburgh [this game] is quite important for our season. It’s just with the buzz around the guys and the team it’s going to be a serious game. In my experience and where I come from, these local derbies are quite good games to look forward to.”
Kirchner acknowledges his team is going through a dip but agrees Ulster will be desperate to win at the RDS [in the regular season] for the second year in a row. Last weekend’s 13-6 win over Zebre was the flattest Mark Anscombe’s men have played since their stuttering start to the league season.
Kirchner has featured on the wing in a number of his seven provincial appearances and is happy to line out wherever his boss, Matt O’Connor, feels he can best contribute. If witnessing Kirchner play without the 15 jersey on his back, seeing him in full flow without his famous dreadlocks [snipped in late November] takes some getting used to.
“Ah, I just think moving over here with the wind and the rain and stuff. I don’t think the dreadlocks would have been working,” he commented. “And, also, with a new baby at home – so I think sometimes with her I don’t want hair all over her face.”
Kirchner and his hair are slowly adapting to Irish conditions but a professional rugby player has never truly settled here until they have been left with some interpro bumps and bruises.
– Additional reporting by Sean Farrell
