Kirchner called into South Africa squad

Zane Kirchner's dream of playing in Rugby World Cup 2011 has been revived after being called into the South Africa squad as an injury replacement for Frans Steyn.

Head coach Peter de Villiers was forced to make the replacement after Steyn injured his left shoulder in the final few minutes of the Springboks’ 13-5 victory over Samoa in Auckland on Friday.

Kirchner, who himself struggled with a left shoulder injury during the first half of 2011, last played for the Springboks against England on 27 November, 2010.

Kirchner made his debut against the British and Irish Lions in 2009 and will be hoping to add to his 14 caps.

Steyn, who will return to South Africa for surgery, was the only player among the 20 competing nations at RWC 2011 to score a try in each of his first three matches and had accumulated 21 points.

“I am bitterly disappointed,” said Steyn. “I don’t know how the injury happened – it was at a ruck when I was cleaning someone out late in the game. I was enjoying our campaign and the tournament, and to have it ended like this is very disappointing.

“I’d just like to wish the squad all the best for the rest of the tournament.”