Ulster veteran reveals Springbok star's positive effect on the team

As a back-to-back World Cup winner, Kitshoff came to Ulster with a glowing reputation and Herring has been impressed by the former Stormers captain's impact in his new surroundings.

"I think we're starting to see a lot more of his influence on our team," Herring told the Belfast Telegraph.

"He came in and wasn't going to stamp himself on the team straight away but, as things have gone on, he's starting to have more influence on things and he's a quality guy and someone I really enjoy playing with."

The 83-Test Springbok has made a big contribution to Ulster˜s overall cause and head coach Dan McFarland has already praised his input at a scrum meeting a few weeks ago as one of these key moments.

"Just small things you know," Herring said of what Kitshoff has already said to the players.

"I don't think it's a case of reinventing the wheel, (but it's) things like mindset and maybe a few calls have been brought in and stuff like that, nothing major.

"Just having the influence of someone who's done it at the top level as well as he has and as many times as he has, with someone like him it carries a lot of weight."

Veteran Herring holds the record for most appearances by an Ulster player but is no stranger to Kitshoff as he was born in Cape Town and the duo were team-mates in the Western Province U20 squad.

He recalls a particular moment during that time which reminds him that Kitshoff was always clear about what he wanted to achieve as a professional rugby player.

"He was just out of school, and we played a few games together at Western Province," said Herring. "I remember we had a goal-setting exercise and I sat next to him, and we were talking about medium term and long-term goals.

"I had a whole list of things and looked over at him and his just said ˜Springboks' ” and this from an 18-year-old.

"I don't know why that sticks out, but it does, and then he's gone on to do it, hasn't he?"

READ MORE: Champions Cup: Stormers shuffle backline for Sale Sharks clash in Cape Town