Kings enter cauldron of fire
Davids warns of a toxic atmosphere in away tie Younger Jantjies gets timely break
AFTER being on the receiving end of a big hiding the last time they played in Buenos Aires, the Southern Kings are desperate to turn the tables on the Jaguares on Saturday.
Kings head coach Deon Davids says if his team want to silence the intimidating Estadio Jose Amalfitani Stadium crowd they need good quality ball and accurate execution.
Last year the Kings were on a receiving end of a 73-27 Super Rugby thrashing and Davids wants a better outcome this time.
“I just think we need to ensure we get quality ball and be much more accurate in our execution,” he said.
“The Kings must dominate the advantage line when we carry. Then, when we are defending, have much more stopping power to keep the opposition away from the advantage line.
“If we can touch up those areas and build pressure with the ball we can create opportunities. We must be very clear, accurate and focused in our execution.”
Davids said the trip to Argentina would be difficult and very tiring.
“When we last played there at the Estadio Jose Amalfitani Stadium it was quite strange. When you score points there is no cheering, but when the opposition scores there are loud cheers and you have to get used to all of those challenges.
“They gave us a good hiding when we were there last year, but I think we are in a better space this year and we have more settled combinations and good systems in place.
“The guys also have has better game time, so obviously things will work out better.
“We still know it will be a huge challenge because the Jaguares are coming off three internationals and we know it will be tough opposition.”
Asked if the Jaguares, who had many players in the Argentine team for two Tests against England and a one-off international against Georgia would be jaded, Davids said: “It might be a possibility, but an international side with senior players know how to handle these situations.
“People say we have rested and recovered which is a good thing. But it can also count against us in terms of the rhythm and continuity that we might not have. However, I am positive that we can put things together.”
Davids said the team had regrouped well after the month-long international window.
“The guys have slotted in well and there is a lot of positive energy. We have done some good stuff this year and we just want to build on that in the last three games.
“The Kings want to enjoy themselves and play positive rugby,” said Davids.
“I think the guys enjoy being together and I could see they have missed one another.
“If we can have that same camaraderie on our tour of sticking together and enjoying ourselves we can look forward to a good game.”
The Kings named a 25-man squad to travel to Argentina and are expected to name their matchday squad today.
The squad sees the return of prop Schalk Ferreira, hooker Michael Willemse and utility back Masixole Banda from injury layoffs. THE Bulls have handed Tony Jantjies‚ the younger brother of Springbok star Elton‚ his first start in tomorrow’s Super Rugby clash against the Sharks at Kings Park Stadium in Durban.
The 23-year-old Jantjies‚ who has made three consecutive appearances from the bench‚ has been picked by Marais ahead of more experienced Tiaan Schoeman at flyhalf.
“I have been telling Tony (Jantjies) for the last three games that I am going to put him on the bench and give him some game time‚” said Marais.
“He has been working very hard behind the scenes over the last two or three months and he has had a tough career with many ups and downs.
“With Tiaan (Schoeman) leaving us and Handre Pollard out with an injury at the moment‚ this is a good time to give him the opportunity to play at this level and be tested against some of the best in the country. It is a good opportunity for him to be tested in a big game against the Sharks.
“If he is going to be our flyhalf during the Currie Cup then he must be given the exposure now so that he gains experience and confidence.
“I believe in his talent and that he is a very good rugby player who is going to be an asset for the Bulls and South African rugby in future.”
Marais has also shown faith in winger Kefentse Mahlo and prop Conraad van Vuuren by handing them their first starts as part of changes to the midfield for the trip to the coast.
“Myself and Kefentse come a long way since the junior sides‚” Marais said of Mahlo.
“He has also been working hard and deserves his opportunity. He has never got the opportunity to play at the top level and I have decided to give him a chance because I believe he is one for the future.”
Mahlo will take over from Kriel‚ who has been moved to outside centre‚ while his Bok teammate Jan Serfontein will wear the number 12 jersey.
Regular inside centre‚ Burger Odendaal‚ who played at number 12 against the Hurricanes last month‚ moves to the bench.
Van Vuuren‚ who has made three appearances off the bench‚ will start in place of the rested Trevor Nyakane.
In the pack‚ Nick de Jager has been promoted off the bench and will start at number eight in place of injured Hanro Liebenberg.
Renaldo Bothma and Shaun Adendorff are on the bench as lock and loose-forward cover.
The Bulls team is: Warrick Gelant; Duncan Matthews‚ Jesse Kriel‚ Jan Serfontein‚ Kefentse Mahlo; Tony Jantjies‚ Rudy Paige; Nic de Jager‚ Jannes Kirsten‚ Ruan Steenka RG Snyman‚ Jason Jenkins‚ Conraad van Vuuren‚ Adriaan Strauss‚ Lizo Gqoboka
Reserves: Jaco Visagie‚ Pierre Schoeman‚ John-Roy Jenkinson‚ Renaldo Bothma‚ Shaun Adendorff‚ Andre Warner‚ Burger Odendaal‚ Tian Schoeman. — TMG