Kings look to Luke to Stick it to Sharks

Co-coach believes skipper brings the X-factor

AMBITIOUS EP Kings coach Mzwandile Stick says the return of skipper Luke Watson in a new role will add a vital X-factor to his team when they clash with a Sharks XV tomorrow (kick-off 7pm).

The Kings have lost all their home matches this season, but Stick is confident that EP can make things right with their fans at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in their final Vodacom Cup match.

Stick said a new role awaits Watson who was used as a number eight for much of his career but is now being selected on the flank in the number six jersey.

“We have discussed Luke’s position with the coaching staff before the start of the season,” said Stick.

“Currie Cup head coach Carlos Spencer was also part of the discussion as was forwards coach Darron Nel and myself.

“We were looking at what we have in the team. We have Tim Agaba who can offer us something at number eight and Aidon Davis is a youngster coming up.

“There is also Thembelani Bholi who is one of our best loosies and strong ball carrier. All that we need now with these youngsters is someone with a proper head on his shoulders to make sure we manage them very well. Luke is one of those players.

“When Luke hits the four lines you won’t be able to tell if Luke is over 30. You will probably think he is a youngster and he can cover.

“He can do the job of being an open side flanker as a fetcher and he can also offer something else on the field with his leadership and also his ball skills.

“Luke brings an X-factor to the team. I think this is what we need in our side. An openside flanker who can also be one of the playmakers in the side. It creates more diversity in our team where we can have all those kinds of options to play.

“As Luke said earlier on it’s not our brand to play that South African traditional style of rugby. We are trying to have a lot of variations around our game plan so he does offer us something.

“Luke’s presence with his leadership brings an X-factor to the Kings,” said Stick.

Springbok prop CJ van der Linde, who, like Watson, has come off the bench in the last two games, is again among the replacements, certain to get some game time ahead of the Currie Cup programme.

The only question marks are behind the names of prop Simon Kerrod and replacement hooker Michael van Vuuren.

Kerrod has a ankle injury and will face a final decision at today’s captain’s run, while Van Vuuren had a minor heart issue during training and will have final tests to assess his fitness.

They have been bracketed with Enoch Mnyaka and Albe de Swardt respectively.

While the Kings are out of the running for the Cup playoffs Stick said there was still plenty riding on the outcome of the match.

“There is still plenty of motivation for this game,” said Stick.

“It has been a tough season, but we want to end on a high note and to leave this competition with something positive.

“We also want to thank our fans and our executive, who have supported us, with a win, as well as needing something to build on going into the Currie Cup.

“We played for one another against Boland and it was nice to see the guys enjoying themselves. After the disappointing loss to South Western Districts, the vibe was good on the way to Citrusdal [for the Boland game] and we bounced back well.”