No more second chance
It’s goodbye to the playoffs if we don’t beat the Eagles, Stick warns
ANXIOUS EP Kings’ coach Mzwandile Stick has warned his team there will be no more second chances if they lose against the SWD Eagles at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium today (kick-off 3pm).
Three defeats in four matches have left the Kings in desperate need of a crucial win over the Eagles if they want to reach the Vodacom Cup quarterfinals.
“If we miss out on this one it is going to kill our chances,” was Stick’s blunt message to his players.
“There are no more second chances. This is the chance.
“If we don’t take this opportunity it will be almost the end of the road for us.
“But the boys are positive.We still believe and we are going to go all the way.
“That is one of the things I am sure about, having these guys like Luke Watson and CJ van der Linde coming back from injury. This is a big boost for our side.”
After today’s games, the Kings still have matches against Boland and the Sharks XV.
“To get to the playoffs we must beat the Eagles, Boland and Sharks. If we can beat those guys it will put us in a better place. I don’t want to depend on the other teams.
“Also, remember that teams like the Cheetahs have not played Western Province and Griquas. We have been through those tough games. The ones who will come up against us now are all must-win games,” Stick said.
EP’s coach said he expected extra needle in today’s game because they were up against one of their franchise partners.
“I have been there before and I know how tough it is. The game of the season for Border is always against EP. The game of the season for the Ea- gles is also against us.
“So they have a point to prove especially now going into Super Rugby next year and Currie Cup Premier Division rugby later this season.
“Some of the guys playing for Border and the Eagles would love to be part of our system going forward. The guys will try to send a message to our coaching staff and say if you need any players that we will be there. That is a good thing for our region.”
The Kings have been given a boost with the return of Springboks Watson and Van der Linde for today’s showdown. Both players will start on the bench and are expected to have an impact in the second half.
Apart from Watson and Van der Linde there is added experience in the backline with Ronnie Cooke returning to the starting lineup in the place of Hansie Graaff who moves to the bench.
Stefan Willemse replaces Thembelani Bholi, who has concussion, on the flank, and Tony Jantjies replaces injured flyhalf Gary van Aswegen. The latest log with points after four rounds is: Western Province 19, Griquas 18, Free State Cheetahs 15, SWD Eagles 11, EP Kings 8, Sharks XV 5, Boland Cavaliers 5, Border Bulldogs 0.
Today’s teams:
EP Kings: Scott van Breda, Siviwe Soyizwapi, Ronnie Cooke, Tim Whitehead (capt), Luther Obi, Tony Jantjies, Jaco Grobler, Tim Agaba, Stefan Willemse, Paul Schoeman, David Bulbring, Cameron Lindsay, Simon Kerrod, Edgar Marutlulle, Lizo Gqoboka. Replacements: Michael van Vuuren, CJ van der Linde, Aidon Davis, Luke Watson, Dylon Frylinck, Hansie Graaff, Siyanda Grey.
SWD Eagles: Elric Van Vuuren, Clinton Wagman, Kirsten Heyns, Luzuko Vulundli, Alshaun Bock, Gerrit Smith, Dwayne Kelly, Zandre Jordaan, Devon Raubenheimer (capt), Janneman Stander, Mzwanele Zito, Andries van der Walt, Ashley Buys, Kurt Haupt. Marius Fourie. Replacements: Layle Delo, Raoul Larson, Junior Bester, Andisa Ntsila, Buran Parks, Leighton Eksteen, Martin Du Toit.
Referee: Ntshakaza Tahla