Kitshoff coy on SA return

Springbok coach Allister Coetzee made it clear earlier this year that he would like all of his best players plying their trade in South Africa with Kitshoff being one them.

The 24-year-old plays in France with Bordeaux - he left the Stormers and Western Province at the end of the 2015 season. 

When asked if he had any intentions about returning, Kitshoff did not reveal much. 

"He [Coetzee] has been speaking about it, but nothing is confirmed yet," said Kitshoff, who is set to earn his first Test cap off the bench on Saturday.

Meanwhile, Kitshoff said he had learnt a lot while in France and believes he has a lot to bring to the team, especially in the scrums.

"I think I have picked up a lot of experience, especially when it comes to scrum time. 

"Bringing that experience to this game will definitely benefit me," he added.

Kitshoff developed into one of the top scrummagers in Super Rugby before he left the Stormers and Springbok assistant coach Matthew Proudfoot played a big part in the young prop's development.

Proudfoot was the Stormers' forwards coach for a number of years and Kitshoff was his prodigy.

"Matt and I are quite close and working with him is great," said Kitshoff.

"I had five years with him at the Stormers and we are just picking up where we left off.

"He helped me a lot with my scrum technique and breakdown drills and he has been a great motivational coach."

By Warren Fortune, in Port Elizabeth

@rugby365com