Zane Kirchner is in no doubt about what’s required from him and the team this season in the Champions Cup.
Kirchner arrived at Leinster in October of last year and made his first appearance in the Heineken Cup in the 40-7 win over Northampton Saints. The newly formed and restructured Champions Cup looks that bit more challenging, with every pool looking like the proverbial ‘Group of Death’, but it’s a challenge that Kirchner welcomes.
“I think you want to be challenged by the best. I think this competition is going to be asking everything from you. If I get selected I’ll try and give my everything to the team. Everybody knows what we’re in it for and what the competition’s going to be asking from us. I’m sure the guys will be definitely more switched on for this one.”
The first Champions Cup challenge of the season comes this Sunday against Wasps in the RDS (KO 5.15pm, click here for ticket info). After watching Wasps, in particular their win over Bath in the Premiership last weekend, Kirchner is fully aware of the threats they have across the side.
“They’re good. It’s going to be new for me; a new side totally in this competition again. We’ll go through a couple of things during this week and get to know them a bit better in terms of what they bring to the game. Any side playing in this competition is good, especially them beating Bath this weekend; it’s going to be a massive challenge for us.”
After picking up a hamstring injury in the win over Scarlets in the middle of September, Kirchner is just happy to be back in the mix and playing rugby. With no ill-effects felt after playing 72 minutes against Zebre last weekend, he’s focusing on enjoying each game as it comes and giving everything to the team.
“”For me personally it’s about game by game and just trying to enjoy it and give my 100% for that game. Total focus will go into this week and this championship. We want to come out of it the best.”
Leinster face Wasps in the Champions Cup this Sunday in the RDS (KO 5.15pm). Click here to get your ticket.
