Reshaped Kings pack to face Bulldogs
A RESHAPED EP Kings pack has been assembled to face the Border Bulldogs in what is expected to be a highly physical Vodacom Cup battle in East London on Friday (kick-off 7:10pm).
In the front row, the Kings have two new props in Charles Marais and Simon Kerrod, while the fiery Paul “Tier” Schoeman comes in at flank for the keenly-awaited derby.
Marais takes the place of Lizo Gqoboko, who moves to the bench, while Kerrod comes in for Tom Botha.
In the other switch, compared with the side that lost against the Griquas, Schoeman replaces Eital Bredenkamp. With vice-captain David Bulbring not considered because of an ankle injury, Cameron Lindsay has been called up to pack down at lock with Tazz Fuzani.
This is a must-win encounter for both teams after both Eastern Cape teams lost their opening matches last weekend.
The other change to the starting lineup sees the versatile Scott van Breda coming in at fullback for Sylvian Mahuza, who was not considered because of compassionate reasons.
Hooker Michael van Vuuren, who started off the bench against the Griquas, falls out of the EP Kings side after the return of Edgar Marutlulle, who has been out with a shoulder injury.
There is also no room on the bench for Aidon Davis. His place has been taken by Stefan Willemse. Ronnie Cooke comes in for Van Breda, the fullback chosen for starting lineup.
“I was chatting to Darron Nell the forwards coach. At the moment Lizo Gqoboka is not on form and we know he is better than that, Kings Vodacom Cup head coach Mzwandile Stick said.
“Now we also want to give Charles Marais, who had a good game in the warm-up against the Cheetahs, a chance. We need to give him a chance because he is one of our key players.
“Prop Simon Kerrod had a good warm-up game against the Cheetahs, so I think Darron is doing rotation in the front row .
“The guys played well against the Griquas and had good games. They were solid and they dominated the scrums and also did well in the lineouts. So. it is just a matter of rotation,” Stick said.
Schoeman, who was one of the oustanding players for the Kings last year, will be keen to grab this chance and prove he is the man for the job.
“We have been working hard in training, knowing that we need to be clinical at breakdowns and Paul is also one of those guys who can do that job,” Stick said.
“Not only Paul, but the rest of the forwards must react to what is in front of them. We have seen that Tazz has been doing well and has been clinical and physical at the breakdowns.”