Kirsten a shining light in the deep end for Bulls

WHEN the season started Jannes Kirsten was itching to play Varsity Cup rugby for Tuks.

Little did he know that not only would he play seven Super Rugby matches for the Bulls, but he’d also be one of their MVPs (most valuable players).

“The funny thing about Jannes is that he came to me before the (seasonopener) Stormers game and asked ‘coach, can I play Varsity Cup on Monday night?’” said Bulls coach Nollis Marais.

“I thought ‘did I miss something’? I said to him ‘but you are playing’.”

That match, despite the Bulls going down 9-33, was Kirsten’s introduction to the big boys’ club, and he hasn’t looked back since.

Saturday night was no different and the 22-yearold – who had just graduated from the University of Pretoria earlier in the week – produced a manof-the-match performance in the Bulls’ 41-22 win over the Queensland Reds at Loftus Versfeld.

The red mane and beard have become feared by opponents. He is also a lineout option and handy when cleaning out at the breakdown.

While the coach still insists that his inexperienced young side still has plenty of work to do before they can be regarded as potential competitors for the Super Rugby title, the youngsters have often proved themselves. The five wins, one draw and one defeat are telling the side’s potential.

Others who have been as consistent as Kirsten are the youthful lock pairing of R G Snyman and Jason Jenkins, who are also playing in their first Super Rugby season.

The Bulls will enjoy a bye this week before they embark on their Australian tour where they of start their visit Down Under with a clash against the Western Force.

Meaniwhile, the Reds will gear themselves up for a clash against the Stormers at Newlands at the weekend.

“They (Stormers) are potentially the team to beat in the competition,” Reds co-coach Nick Stiles said.