Tango warns of coming tsunami

Benetton Treviso’s big and strong ball carriers will pose problems for the Isuzu Southern Kings in a Guinness Pro14 clash on Saturday, Kings hooker Tango Balekile warned.

Balekile, who was on the bench when the Kings lost to Connacht on Sunday, is expected to be promoted to the starting lineup for the clash at the Madibaz Stadium.

The reason for the switch is that Alandre van Rooyen, who started at number two against Connacht, is out after sustaining a concussion against the Irish side.

“We are looking forward to the game against Treviso after all the hard work we have been putting in during training,” said Balekile.

“The Kings are looking to target this game against Treviso. Treviso are a good bunch with big, strong ball carriers, and now we want to impose ourselves on them.”

Kings coach Deon Davids said changes to the team could be expected for Saturday’s clash, and there could be a new centre pairing.

“We have a few injuries which will mean changes,” said Davids.

“Centre Berton Klaasen has a leg injury and his centre partner Harlon Klaasen also has an injury. We are also looking at the workrate of Yaw Penxe, who has played every game and done well.

“This will enable us to see what Fijian Meli Rokoua can do from the start, and Tertius Kru- ger has also been good.

“With Martin du Toit suffering from a knee injury, Ntabeni Dukisa would have been the logical choice at number 10. But Ntabeni has a shoulder injury, so Masixole Banda will shift in at number 10.

“A guy like Michael Botha will now get a chance. We would also like to get Ulrich Beyers in the mix, but he is struggling a bit with a groin injury, so we will assess that.”

Davids said his team were frustrated with themselves after their showing against Connacht.

“We were frustrated because we were flatfooted and we were not happy with the energy and intensity that we brought to the game.

“The Kings have to look at ourselves as to where we went wrong.

“Now we want to put in a big performance against Treviso. One of our characteristics is to stick to the fight right up until the end.

“How we do things is important for me. If we play properly and there is a massive effort, even if we don’t get the result, then that is important.”

Benetton will not bolster their touring squad with their resting international stars before they face the Kings.

Fifteen regular players were absent from the Treviso team when they were beaten 31-25 by the Cheetahs on Saturday because they were on duty for the Italian team in the European autumn internationals.

Both sides will name their team on Friday.

Treviso are a good bunch with big, strong ball carriers, and now we want to impose ourselves on them