Jake: Kirsten the guy for 'knockout rugby'

26/04/2024 15:23

Jake White is eager to unleash Jannes Kirsten against Ospreys, with the experienced utility forward set to make his Vodacom URC debut for the Vodacom Bulls on Saturday.

Kirsten, who has been sidelined by injury since signing from the Exeter Chiefs this season, will form part of a five-three split on the bench for the Pretoria clash this week.

Skipper Elrigh Louw will earn his 50th cap in the competition, shifting to blindside flanker in a powerful loose trio with No 8 Cameron Hanekom and veteran campaigner Nizaam Carr.

On Kirsten's long-awaited debut, White remarked, "He is one of those guys who has won the European Cup and the English Premiership and there aren't many guys who have done that.

"So, he brings to the team, at the back end of a competition where it is now like knockout rugby, an incredible amount of knowledge, understanding and calmness.

TEAM: Bulls mix and match for Ospreys clash

"He is another guy who might not be captain but definitely has some leadership qualities to help the youngsters on the field as well. He is a very detailed guy and incredibly bright.

"I can only think for the youngsters that if he can instil what he knows and what he has learnt then he is already then he will already have had an impact even off the field."

Ospreys trail the Bulls by six points on the overall log and a win at Loftus Versfeld would be their second on tour and a major boost to their playoff ambitions. For the Herd, victory would help keep fate in their control.

"We still have our destiny in our own hands, we still have three games at home until the end of this campaign," White said. "Every game has to be like a final in a competition that is as competitive as this league where everyone is still in it with a chance.

"There are so many permutations that can happen and while we can control winning at Loftus and still have a chance of getting the final game, then we still have our destiny in our own control and that is important."

Photo: Alex Davidson/Getty Images

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