Kings call in giant to help beat Brumbies
Massive lock one of several new faces to replace injured players
ACOLOSSAL 128kg lock, who goes by the imposing nickname of “Giant”, has been promoted by the Southern Kings for their crunch Super Rugby clash against the Brumbies tomorrow night.
A late injury to Wilhelm van der Sluys resulted in Kings coach Deon Davids elevating former Newell High School pupil Lubabalo “Giant” Mtyanda from the bench.
This is one of a number of changes that Davids has been forced to make because of injuries for the showdown at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium.
Apart from Mtyanda replacing Van der Sluys (stomach muscle injury), the other new faces in the starting lineup are fullback Chrysander Botha and loose forward Stefan Willemse.
Botha comes in for Masixole Banda (hamstring injury), while Willemse was promoted to replace Chris Cloete (concussion).
Known for his aggressive play, the 1.99m tall Mtyanda will be key as the Kings bid to thwart a physical Brumbies side.
He started from the bench against the Sharks.
The Kings, after impressive wins over the Waratahs, Melbourne Rebels and Sharks, will be bidding for a historic fourth consecutive Super Rugby victory.
There were 22 000 fans to watch the Kings play the Sharks last week when the home team scored a first win over a South African Super Rugby franchise
Asked if his team might be a little flat after all the hysteria that accompanied their victory over the Sharks, Davids said: “No, I don’t think so. We had a good week. Unfortunately, we lost a bit of continuity with players out with injury. But I am happy for the guys who get a chance and I think they are quite eager to grab this opportunity and it is up to them to show they can step up.
“Van der Sluys has been a key man for us in the lineouts, but we have used Tyler Paul there before.
“Giant is an experienced guy and Irne Herbst is still there.
“I don’t think there will be too much disruption in that area and we are confident they can pull it off.”
The Brumbies have said they want to gain set-piece dominance and Davids is aware of the big challenge.
“The Kings proved last week against the Sharks if our mindset and our focus are right we can compete in the scrums and we also have good lineout forwards,” Davids said.
“We just have to bring the attitude with that and make sure that we compete with the Brumbies.”
The Brumbies will arrive in Port Elizabeth short on confidence after failing to score a try in their past 210 minutes of Super Rugby action.
They have lost six games by seven points or less this season and are struggling to find a clinical edge to turn around their fortunes.
The Brumbies have won just three games this year, but still find themselves locked in a finals race after a disastrous Australian conference campaign.
“We need to capitalise on opportunities better,” coach Stephen Larkham said.
“It’s all starting to heat up now. We know the situation we’re in and the fact there’s not a lot between third, fourth or fifth.
“It really is going to depend on who performs in these last stages of the competition.”
I think they are quite eager to grab this opportunity and it is up to them to show they can step up
The Kings team:
Chrysander Botha, Alshaun Bock, Berton Klaasen, Luzuko Vulindlu, Makazole Mapimpi, Lionel Cronje (capt), Louis Schreuder, Andisa Ntsila, Tyler Paul, Stefan Willemse, Lubabalo Mtyanda, Irne Herbst, Ross Geldenhuys, Martin Bezuidenhout, Schalk van der Merwe. Replacements: Kurt Haupt, Chris Heiberg, Dayan van der Westhuizen, Mzwanele Zito, Thembelani Bholi, Johan Steyn, Pieter-Steyn de Wet, Stokkies Hanekom.