Duo’s time to show their spurs
Young Kings debutants ready for baptism of fire in Parma showdown
Young guns Michael Botha and Bakkies Brown will be looking to take the Guinness Pro14 by storm when they make their debuts for the Isuzu Southern Kings against Italian outfit Zebre in Parma on Friday night.
The pair impressed playing for the EP Elephants in the SuperSport Rugby Challenge and will welcome this opportunity to shine on the international stage.
“We want to congratulate the players who will be making their debuts for the Kings,” head coach Deon Davids said.
“I want them to play to their best of their ability and they must embrace this opportunity and showcase their talent. It is also important that we broaden the base of experience in our squad.
“We believe these players have the potential to make the step up.”
Davids said his players were adapting well to the warm and humid conditions in Parma.
“We had a good session on Wednesday, and I was pleased with the intensity and enthusiasm the players brought to training.
“The Kings expect a fierce onslaught from Zebre, who will be playing in front of their passionate home crowd. We will go out there and be as competitive as we can be with a big focus on ourselves.”
Anxious to improve after their dismal showing last season, the Kings will face a stern test against the underrated Italians who bagged seven Pro14 wins during their last campaign.
When the teams met in Port Elizabeth last season, the Italians scored six tries on their way to an 43-17 win.
Zebre, who enjoyed one of their best seasons in their history, have exciting talent in their ranks.
A new player in the Parmabased side this year is number eight Giovanni Licata who has signed from Fiamme Oro.
Powerful prop Giosue Zilocchi is another man joining the side this season.
The 21-year-old prop is the latest Zebre addition to the frontrow.
The Kings team is:
Michael Botha; Michael Makase, Harlon Klassen, Berton Klassen, Yaw Penxe; Masixole Banda, Rudi van Rooyen; Justin Forwood, Willemse Michael (capt), Luvuyo Pupuma, Schalk Oelofse, Bobby de Wee, Bakkies Brown, Martinus Burger, Ruaan Lerm.
Replacements: Alandre van Rooyen, Schalk Ferreira, Luphumlo Mguca, Andisa Ntsila, Godlen Masimla, Martin du Toit, Ulrich Beyers.