Pic: Touching Moment As Leinster Star Zane Kirchner Remembers Joost van der Westhuizen
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Joost van der Westhuizen had a profound effect on South African rugby.
The late scrumhalf is credited with being one of rugby’s defining players. The talented nine was the first of the new age half-backs and will go down in history as one of the greatest to have ever played the game. The legendary Springbok, who lost his battle with MND last week, was remembered before rugby matches around the world this past weekend, with the Six Nations games staging a minute’s applause in memory of the 45-year-old.
There was also a number of PRO12 games this weekend, with Leinster one of the teams in action yesterday who also paid tribute to van der Westhuizen. Springbok Zane Kirchner is among the Irish province’s ranks, and the emotion of the occasion clearly got to him as he wept during the tribute.
Kirchner, a former Blue Bulls player just like van der Westhuizen, clearly has a special connection with the late nine. Another former Blue Bulls player, CJ Stander revealed how it was customary for van der Westhuizen to hand Bulls players their jerseys when they were making their debut, showing his connection with the famous Super Rugby franchise and its alumni.
A touching moment, sleep well Joost.
