Cronje would love to come back and give more to the Eastern Cape

PRETORIA: “It’s the last bloody game and we have to win it.”

Those will be Southern Kings captain Lionel Cronje’s parting words to his team before their last Super Rugby match against the Cheetahs at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Port Elizabeth tomorrow.

In what can only be described as the “Battle of the Damned”, the Kings and Cheetahs will perform their final act in the tournament as they bow out of the competition as the two South African teams that have been axed.

It will certainly be an emotionally-charged encounter with both sides desperate to leave the Super Rugby scene on a high, but more so for Cronje, who will also be leaving SA shores to join Japanese outfit Verblitz.

Just like his team, Cronje has enjoyed a standout season in the No 10 jersey, much to the surprise of many pundits.

Cronje’s exploits earned him a call up to the SA A side last month in their series win over the French Barbarians.

“Unfortunately, it is a decision I had to make some time back. I would love to come back to the Eastern Cape and represent the Kings again. I come from a background where I need to be loyal to people who entrust me with opportunity. I’d like to come back and give more back to the Eastern Cape if that opportunity arises, I would love to do that,” Cronje said.

A seasoned journeyman, the 28-year-old Cronje attributes his rich vein of form to his teammates. It is with a positive mindset and the love of the game that has seen the Kings enjoy their best season ever in the competition with victories over the Waratahs in Sydney, Sharks in Port Elizabeth, Jaguares in Buenos Aires and Bulls at Loftus.

“Credit to the team,” said Cronje. “It is about going out playing, challenging yourself and understanding that there is so much talent in South Africa, not just in the Eastern Cape, and the guys need to go out there and play positive rugby and enjoy the game again. That is what we have done.”

And the Kings will be fortunate in being able to call on the same group of men who stunned the Bulls last weekend with only one change to the starting line-up.

Lock Wilhelm van der Sluys is returning from injury in place of Irne Herbst, who could start from the bench pending a late fitness test, while Lubabalo Mtyanda switches from No 5 lock to No 4.