Kings up against toothless Jaguares
ARGENTINA’s energy-sapping Test programme could leave a weary Jaguares side vulnerable when they face the Southern Kings in a Super Rugby showdown in Buenos Aires on July 1.
While the Kings have been enjoying a break from match day action, most of the Jaguares squad have been involved in a gruelling two-match series against England and a one-off Test against Georgia.
The Argentine team is littered with Jaguares players, who will have little time to catch their breath before they face a re-energised Kings side.
Though the Argentinians went down in both Tests against England, the games were hardfought affairs.
England sealed a 2-0 series victory over Argentina after winning another enthralling Test against Argentina in Sante Fe on Saturday.
After winning the first Test by the narrow margin of 38-34, England won the second encounter 35-25 to take the series.
The Kings have also been affected by the international window, but not to the same extent as the Jaguares.
Kings captain Lionel Cronje, Makazole Mapimpi, Andisa Ntsila and Chris Cloete have been involved in the two-match series between the South African A side and the French Barbarians. The Kings, who were last in action against the Lions at Ellis Park on May 28, said they would lift the intensity in their preparations for the Jaguares clash this week.
“On the one side you want continuity in your play and to stay involved against very good opposition in international games,” Kings head coach Deon Davids said.
“In these games combinations are developed and they will have a flow to their game. It will also be a challenge for them and they will be a bit tired after three weeks of international matches.
“On our side it is not nice to be out of action for three weeks, so you have to regain your rhythm and the feeling for the game.
“Some of our players are playing for the South African A team and some have played in the SuperSport series so it is a question of getting tougher and getting things going again.
“In the beginning we may play with a few stop and starts, but hopefully things will work out for us,” said Davids.
It is thought that several contenders for the Kings Super Rugby squad will be included in the EP Kings team to face the Boland Cavaliers in a key SuperSport Challenge clash in George on Saturday.
It is expected that experienced prop Schalk Ferreira, who is back in full training after a bicep injury, will be among the players chosen for a match the EP Kings have to win to qualify for the playoffs.