Watson an X-factor for Kings
AMBITIOUS EP Kings coach Mzwandile Stick says the return of skipper Luke Watson in a new role will add an X-factor to his team when they clash with a Sharks XV tomorrow (kick-off 7pm).
The Kings have lost all their home matches this season, but Stick is confident that EP can make things right with their fans at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in their final Vodacom Cup match.
Stick said he was looking forward to seeing Watson wearing the No 6 jersey tomorrow.
“We discussed Luke’s position with the coaching staff before the start of the season,” Stick said.
“Currie Cup head coach Carlos Spencer was also part of the discussion, as well as forwards coach Darron Nell and me.
“We were looking at what we have in the team. We have TimAgaba who can offer us something at No 8 and Aidon Davis is a youngster coming up. There is also Thembelani Bholi, one of our best loosies and a strong ball carrier. “All we need now with these youngsters is someone with a proper head on his shoulders to make sure we manage them very well. Luke is one of those players.
“When Luke hits the four lines you won’t be able tell that he is over 30. You will probably think he is a youngster and he can cover for us.
“He can be a flanker and can also offer something else on the field with his leadership and his ball skills.
“Luke brings an X-factor to the team. I think this is what we need in our side. A flanker who can also be one of the playmakers in the side. It creates more diversity in our team.
“As Luke said earlier on, it’s not our brand to play the traditional South African style of rugby. We are trying to have a lot of variations around our game plan, so he does offer us something.”
Springbok prop CJ van der Linde – who, like Watson, has come off the bench in the last two games – is again among the replacements, certain to get some game time ahead of the Currie Cup.
The only question marks are behind the names of prop Simon Kerrod and replacement hooker Michael van Vuuren.
Kerrod has a ankle injury and faces a final decision at today’s captain’s run, while Van Vuuren had a minor heart issue during training on Monday and will have final tests to assess his fitness.
While the Kings are out of the running for the Cup playoffs, Stick said there was still plenty riding on the outcome of the match.
“There is still plenty of motivation for this game,” Stick said.
“It has been a tough season, but we want to end on a high note and to leave this competition with something positive.”