Exeter's prized Afrikaner on the rampage
By Mark Stevens
26/2/20
Having spent his life working and living in and around the family farm at Exwick, Rob Baxter knows a prized bull when he sees one.
Therefore, when the Exeter Chiefs Director of Rugby cast his trained eye over Jannes Kirsten, he knew he may have unearthed a quality ‘Afrikaner’ bull.
Often described as a ‘hardy breed that can adapt to a wide range of conditions’ – the 26-year-old forward has certainly lived up to expectations since his arrival back in July.
Unknown to many outside of his native South Africa, the flame-haired forward is now firmly on the radar of opposition teams across Europe, having produced some rampaging, on-field displays for his new club.
Alongside compatriot Jacques Vermeulen, Exeter’s two African imports have not only added a new hard-nose edge to the much-vaunted Chiefs pack, but their all-action, destructive displays have also won them plaudits the length and breadth of the country.
In Kirsten’s case, Sunday’s man of the match performance in Exeter’s 57-7 victory over Northampton Saints in the Gallagher Premiership underlined their worth he now brings to the Chiefs cause.
For 60 minutes the former Bulls star not only dented the Saints both in attack and defence, but a second Premiership try, coupled with a work-rate that was through the roof, helped pave the way for Rob Baxter’s side to stretch their lead at the top of the table to eight points.
Kirsten led from the front as the Chiefs not only banished recent home defeats to Sale Sharks (Premiership) and Harlequins (Premiership Rugby Cup) to the history books, but at the same time they sank Chris Boyd’s Saints side with a powerful eight-try blast.
“We wanted a good home performance, particularly as we slipped up in our last couple of home games,” said Kirsten. “It was important we got some momentum and some confidence back into our game, so we’re happy with the score.”
Although there was little to choose between either side during the opening half-hour, tries from Jonny Hill, Elvis Taione and Kirsten himself helped the Chiefs to establish a 22-0 lead at the break.
Tom Hendrickson’s try early in the second half helped secure the bonus point for the hosts, before they wrapped things up with further tries for Ben Moon, Hendrickson, Tom O’Flaherty and Sam Simmonds.
It was a season’s best showing from the Devonians, who will now ready themselves for this Saturday’s Premiership trip to Harlequins.
“We had to grind things out that first 20 minutes,” added Kirsten. “Both sides made some mistakes, but we kept our foot on the pedal and after a while we broke through and got some points.
“Our line-speed in defence really put them under pressure, it forced them into mistakes, and we were able to turn them over and get the tries.”
Sunday’s victory was certainly a statement of intent from the Chiefs, but as both Baxter and Kirsten were quick to state at the final whistle, celebrating that performance wouldn’t last long and that attentions would quickly switch to their upcoming trip to the capital.
“We’ll enjoy the win now, but at the same time we are already looking forward to the next match,” added Kirsten. “Every week is a battle and come Monday we need to get back in and prepare ourselves for the next test.”