Kings ‘no punch bag for rivals’
PEOPLE should not make the mistake of thinking the EP Kings will be a punching bag for rival teams in the Currie Cup Premier Division, fiery fullback Johann Tromp has warned.
Tromp, a Namibian international with 27 test caps under his belt, issued the warning to rivals ahead of his team’s match against Western Province in Port Elizabeth tomorrow (kick-off 4pm).
The hard-running Tromp, who has scored tries in both of his team’s opening two matches, against Boland and the Blue Bulls, is ready for tomorrow’s challenge.
“Some people think we are just a punching bag in this Currie Cup and we want to prove them wrong,” Tromp said.
“We want to show we are here to compete and win some games and we are not going to be the punching bag for this competition.”
Tromp said he was on his way for a trial at the Leopards three weeks ago before his agent told him he would be joining the Kings for three months.
“Playing Super Rugby for the Southern Kings is one of my big ambitions. My aim to is play to get into the Kings side for a Super Rugby contract or a long-term contract to settle myself in my rugby career,” he said.
“Now I am looking forward to the rest of the Currie Cup competition.
“I am very happy with my results after the first two games, but I will enjoy it more with the team being on the winning side.”
Tromp played his first game for the Kings at centre but for the Bulls game was switched to fullback, where he will also start against WP.
“It does not matter where I play in the backline, it is just about making the best of any opportunity that I get,” Tromp said.
Olympic Sevens bronze medallists Cheslin Kolbe and Werner Kok will start for Western Province.
Kolbe will make his first start after coming off the replacements bench last week, while Kok will make his WP debut on the right wing.
The WP team: Cheslin Kolbe, Werner Kok, Huw Jones, Dan du Plessis, Leolin Zas, Brandon Thomson, Jano Vermaak, Sikhumbuzo Notshe, Jurie van Vuuren, Kobus van Dyk, Chris van Zyl (captain), JD Schickerling, Wilco Louw, Scarra Ntubeni, JC Janse van Rensburg. Replacements: Neil Rautenbach, Alistair Vermaak, Oli Kebble, Jan de Klerk, Stefan Willemse, Godlen Masimla, Robert du Preez.