Rugby-South Africa's Kirchner to miss start of Tri-nations

By Ken Borland

JOHANNESBURG, July 13 (Reuters) - Fullback Zane Kirchner, who made his international debut in the final test against the British and Irish Lions, will miss South Africa's home matches in the Tri-nations due to a fractured cheekbone.

The 25-year-old picked up the injury in the Blue Bulls' Currie Cup match against the Gauteng on Saturday. The Bulls said on Monday that Kirchner will undergo surgery would be out of rugby "for at least four weeks".

Kirchner enjoyed a magnificent Super 14 campaign for the champion Bulls and Springbok coach Peter de Villiers called him up for his test debut once the Springboks had clinched the series against the British and Irish Lions with victories in the first two tests in Durban and Pretoria.

Kirchner, who replaced Francois Steyn at fullback, had a solid if unspectacular debut in South Africa's 28-9 defeat in the third test in Johannesburg on July 4.

The Springboks return to action on July 25 with their opening Tri-nations match against New Zealand in Bloemfontein, followed by games against the All Blacks in Durban on Aug. 1 and Australia in Cape Town a week later.

The overseas leg of their campaign starts against Australia in Perth on Aug. 29.

(Editing by Justin Palmer; To query or comment on this story email sportsfeedback@thomsonreuters.com)