17 Aug 2010

Kirchner out of All Blacks test

5:56 am on 17 August 2010

The Springbok fullback Zane Kirchner has been ruled out of this weekend's Tri-Nations Test against the All Blacks in Johannesburg because of a knee injury.

A scan on Kirchner's left knee today has revealed cartilidge damage sustained during a Currie Cup fixture last weekend.

His progress will be monitored and a decision on his availability for the remainder of the Tri-Nations will be made at a later date.

Gio Aplon is his likely replacement.

The Springbok medical staff are also monitoring injuries to lock Danie Rossouw and flanker Dewald Potgieter.

Both teams will be named tonight.

Meanwhile, Springbok conditioning coach Neels Liebel has clarified the situation regarding the fitness levels of Springbok players.

Liebel told a media conference that whilst there were concerns over certain contracted Springboks regarding the amount of rugby they had played he was satisfied that these and other players were being effectively managed.

Liebel says that the rest period between the away and home legs of the Tri-Nations campaign had come at the right time and was beneficial to the squad.

He added that several players would participate in an extended conditioning programme at the conclusion of the Tri-Nations tournament.