Kings won’t run out of gas – Tromp
TOUGH pre-season conditioning will ensure that the Southern Kings do not run out of gas in the latter stages of matches, Namibian test fullback Johann Tromp said.
Tromp, a veteran of 25 tests, made an impression for the EP Kings in the Currie Cup Premier Division last season and was rewarded with a Super Rugby contract.
Because of their late start to training last year, the Kings faded badly towards the end of their games.
This year, a fierce duel is expected between Tromp and fellow Namibian Chrysander Botha for the fullback berth in the Kings’ starting lineup.
Kings head coach Deon Davids will have a tough decision to make when he names his team to face the Jaguares in Port Elizabeth on February 25.
Asked about their rivalry, Tromp said: “Chrysander and I are good friends and we support each other. We are different players.
“What sort of game the coach wants to play will also determine the fullback he picks.
“It does not matter who plays. We are here to support one another and we want the team to do well. “In Namibia sometimes I played wing or sat on the bench, depending on the coach. I could also slot in at outside centre.”
Tromp said the three months of pre-season had been rewarding and would ensure that the Kings were ready for a tough campaign.
“We are making sure the guys are fitter than last year, so they can be competitive for the full 80 minutes.
“I am sure this team will have plenty of gas in the tank.
“The guys look fit and are in good shape. They run and they don’t look like getting tired.
“We have got a great group in the backline. Guys slot in everywhere and encourage one another.”
Tromp was one of the players recruited after the Kings’ Currie Cup status was saved by a late cash injection from Nelson Mandela Bay Metro last year.
After arriving in Port Elizabeth, Tromp said he was enjoying being in a full-time professional set-up after coming from mainly amateur structures in Namibia.
“This is my first time in a professional set-up where you do rugby full-time and don’t have to work in between,” he said.
Tromp says self-belief should be a vital ingredient in any player’s armoury.
Meanwhile, Kings winger Malcolm Jaer and second-rower Tyler Paul have made full recoveries from their injuries, and have been given the nod to return to full contact training.
Jaer, 21, sustained a hamstring injury during his time with the SA Sevens at the end of last year.
After some rehabilitation in the off-season, the winger, together with Paul, who has made a full recovery from a shoulder injury, began full contact training with the rest of the squad yesterday.