Fast and furious is Booi’s plan
Getting the ball out wide to their try-hungry speedsters will be a priority for the Isuzu Southern Kings when they face Connacht on Sunday, Kings backline coach Chumani Booi said.
Despite winning only one of opening eight games, the Kings scored nine tries against Scarlets and champions Leinster in their past two outings.
Booi says the Kings are determined to add to their tally of 23 tries this season when they play at the Madibaz Stadium.
“From our side we know that with ball in hand we are very dangerous so we will focus on our strengths,” said Booi.
“We will be looking for quick ball so that we can move it out wide to our speedsters.
“It is a home game for us and we will be targeting it and hopefully it will be our second win of the season.
“The Kings know Connacht will be bringing a strong side. They will be very organised and they have a good set-piece.
“Connacht also have good lineouts.
“The Irish side have international backs and they can move about the ball around well so they will be a hard team to stop.”
Connacht arrive in Port Elizabeth with four wins to their name and will be hunting for the points needed to keep them in the race for the end-of-season playoffs.
In their last outing the Galway side ran out easy 33-12 winners over the struggling Dragons, and they will be hoping to maintain that form at the campus.
“We want to continue with the momentum we have shown in close games against Scarlets and Leinster.
“A player like Michael Makase lifted his hand when he got his chance against Leinster and he showed what he is capable of.
“The Kings are blessed with competition and options at the back so when players get opportunities, like Makase did, we expect them to take it.”
Booi said the Kings needed to thank their forwards for providing the platform for their tryscoring spree.
“Scoring so many tries is a big positive for us. The backs have gelled well and the forwards have worked hard to give us good ball and the platform has been set up.
“But we can still improve. When you are not winning it is a bit of a dull one to celebrate scoring those tries. But it is an achievement and one we can look to improve and score even more tries.”
Booi said the Kings were enjoying playing at the Madibaz Stadium.
“We would like more people to come and watch,” he added.
Tickets are on sale at all TicketPro outlets and will be available at the stadium gates on match-day at R20 for the Connacht clash.