Kearney welcomes star Kirchner to life at Leinster
The 29-year-old South African signed for the province during the summer but only arrived last week, having been diverted by South Africa’s Rugby Championship duties, but he is expected to feature at some point against the French champions.
“Of course it’s helpful,” said Kearney who will be eager to retain the full-back role ahead of the versatile Bok, who can play wing, 13 or 15. “We always say competition is a good thing when you’re the right side of it. Maybe when you’re in second place, it’s not as good! How that is going to pan out over the next few months, I’ve no idea.
“Even with him now, I know there’s going to be good competition, as there has been over the last few months. Back three players is something we’ve been strong in. It’s the same as when Isa Nacewa was here, the dynamics of if we play together or stuff like that hasn’t really been laid down yet. There will be some interesting chats in the weeks ahead.”
Kirchner had his first training session at UCD last week — in boots borrowed from Jamie Heaslip — and it remains to be seen if he can come close to matching anything like the impact made by Nacewa in the Kiwi’s five years at the province.
“He’s been pretty quiet so far,” said Kearney. “It’s difficult for him, coming to a new team, to a squad that their season is kicked off and guys are playing and big matches are coming. But he’s going good.
“Guys are making an effort and it’s important over the next few weeks that guys do make an effort, take him out for some grub and show him around. Little things like that are going to make a big difference to him.”
Kearney lined out opposite Kirchner in the third Test between the Lions and South Africa four years ago and welcomed him to his new club with a typically assured display at the back against the Ospreys over the weekend.
“It was one of my best performances coming back. My first few games I was pretty solid but had a couple of one-off pretty big blunders that would dampen the overall outlook of it.”
Kirchner aside, Leinster are still waiting on the fitness of some key personnel with Mike Ross getting “every opportunity” after tweaking a hamstring and being replaced in Swansea.
So too will Brian O’Driscoll who sat out that trip with a calf strain although, reading between the lines, it would appear more likely the outside centre will be again absent come Saturday.
Lote Tuqiri is unavailable while Shane Jennings (fractured hand) will return to contact later this week.
Meanwhile Ulster’s terrier-like scrum-half Paul Marshall has signed a new three-year deal to remain at Ravenhill until the end of the 2017 season. Although he may be in the shadow of Springbok star Ruan Pienaar, the pint-sized Belfast-born Ireland international is keen to stay at home.
Ulster have injury concerns over Johann Muller who inured his neck against Leicester, while Tommy Bowe picked up a dead leg and Nick Williams has hip bruising. However, all three are expected to be ready for the trip to France, while international wing Craig Gilroy, who missed the Tigers’ clash is expected to have fully recovered from an ankle injury. All Black John Afoa is still a major doubt.
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