Another big ask for Southern Kings against Waratahs today
THE Southern Kings will face a massive challenge against a star-studded Waratahs outfit in Sydney today, Kings head coach Deon Davids says.
It has been a long tour for the Kings and defeats against the Western Force and Reds have left them entrenched at the bottom of Super Rugby’s Africa Conference 2.
“We have massive respect for our opponents and they are one of the top teams in this competition,” Davids said. “They have a lot of international stars. “For us, it is about putting up a better performance.
“It is going to be a tough encounter – one we are really looking forward to.”
Because of the odd way the tournament is structured, the Kings faced Australian opposition this year, compared with the New Zealand sides last season.
When they flew overseas three weeks ago, there had been high hopes the Kings could register a win against so-called weaker Australian opposition.
So far it has not turned out that way and they will face stiff opposition against a Waratahs side anxious to ignite their season after a slow start.
The Waratahs, tournament winners in 2014, are languishing in fourth spot in the five-team Australian conference on eight competition points, having won just two of their seven games this season.
Their only victories have come against fellow Australian sides the Western Force and Melbourne Rebels, who are also struggling, while they conceded almost 34 points a match.
Rob Horne will return for the Waratahs, allowing Israel Folau to shift to fullback.
Horne withdrew from their loss to the Hurricanes due to hamstring soreness, but has been named at outside centre, with Folau replacing Bryce Hegarty in the No 15 jersey
“It’s getting our best players on the field. Rob Horne is back injury-free,” Waratahs coach Daryl Gibson said.
“It’s a [backline] combination we’ve been wanting to put out for a while, but were limited through injury and opportunity.”
Lock David McDuling gets just his second start of the season, with Wallaby Dean Mumm dropping to the bench.
“Dean has had a high workload – he’s played about every game,” Gibson said.
“Dave’s been busy when he’s come on, so its a bit of a reward for him.”
Tom Robertson returns from injury to replace suspended fellow Wallaby prop Sekope Kepu.
Prop Angus Ta’avao is poised to make a return off the bench after being sidelined for six months with a broken leg.
Winger/fullback Andrew Kellaway will be out for four to six weeks with a small fracture near his throat. Kickoff is at 11.45am. Today’s teams
Masixole Banda, Wandile Mjekevu, Berton Klaasen, Luzuko Vulindlu, Makazole Mapimpi, Lionel Cronje, (captain), Louis Schreuder, Andisa Ntsila, Tyler Paul, Chris Cloete, Wilhelm van der Sluys, Irne Herbst, Ross Geldenhuys, Michael Willemse, Justin Forwood. Replacements: Kurt Haupt, Schalk van der Merwe, Dayan van der Westhuizen, Mzwanele Zito, Ruan Lerm/Martin Bezuidenhout, Johan Steyn, Stokkies Hanekom, Pieter-Steyn de Wet.
Waratahs: Israel Folau, Taqele Naiyaravoro, Rob Horne, David Horwitz, Cam Clark, Bernard Foley, Jake Gordon, Michael Wells, Michael Hooper (capt), Ned Hanigan, Will Skelton, David McDuling, Tom Robertson, Tolu Latu, Paddy Ryan. Replacements: Hugh Roach, David Lolohea, Dean Mumm, Jed Holloway, Nick Phipps, Bryce Hegarty, Harry Jones.