Baptism of fire for new Kings signing Du Toit

NEW Southern Kings flyhalf Martin du Toit has been thrown in at the deep end by coach Deon Davids as he bids to turn his winless team’s PRO14 fortunes around.

After arriving at the Kings from the SWD Eagles last week, Du Toit will start against Glasgow Warriors at a sold-out Scotstoun Stadium tonight.

A veteran of 68 matches for the Eagles, Du Toit has a golden opportunity to stake a claim for a regular berth in the Kings side.

Davids rates Du Toit highly and praised his all-round ability after the signing was announced.

“I have been watching Martin for quite some time now in terms of his ability as a flyhalf who can play at No 12.

“He has also got exceptional leadership skills,” Davids said.

“He communicates well, has good distribution skills and is a good attacker and defender.

“We are really happy to have him here.”

Another new Kings signing, Mzamo Majola (prop), will start from the bench.

Flying wing Yaw Penxe returns at the expense of injured Sibusiso Sithole, and fullback Masixole Banda has recovered from the knock he sustained in the match against Benetton.

The form of the two teams could not be more contrasting, with Glasgow sitting pretty at the top of their conference having won all six of their opening games.

Winless, and without even a single losing bonus point, the Kings are entrenched at the bottom of Conference B.

But there was fighting talk emanating from the Kings this week, and they say they are not making the long trip to Scotland to make up the numbers and roll over.

While the Kings have had a three-week break since their last game against Benetton Treviso, Glasgow have been busy campaigning in the European Champions Cup.

Glasgow went down to English champions Exeter Chiefs and then crashed to defeat against Leinster in another Cup game.

Glasgow Warriors head coach Dave Rennie said: “The previous couple of weeks in Europe have been good for us.

“They have highlighted the shifts we need to make in our game and the importance of accuracy and the patience to build pressure.

“We’ve been working hard on that part of the game.

“The Kings provide a similar challenge, an imposing set piece and an ability to hurt you deep in your territory.

“We have prepared well. There is a fresh look about our side which is exciting.”

Tonight’s teams: Southern Kings: (nos 15 to 9) Masixole Banda, Yaw Penxe, Berton Klaasen, Luzuko Vulindlu, Alshaun Bock, Martin du Toit, Rudi van Rooyen, (nos 1 to 8), Schalk Ferreira, Michael Willemse (captain), Rossouw de Klerk, Stephan Greeff, Bobby de Wee, Andisa Ntsila, Jurie van Vuuren, Ruaan Lerm. Replacements: (nos 16 to 23) Tango Balekile, Mzamo Majola, Martin Dreyer, Lubabalo Mtyanda, Khaya Majola, Rowan Gouws, Oliver Zono, Jacques Nel Glasgow Warriors: (nos 15 to 9) Stuart Hogg, Lee Jones, Nick Grigg, Sam Johnson, Niko Matawalu, Adam Hastings, George Horne. (nos 1 to 8) Alex Allan, Pat MacArthur, Zander Fagerson, Scott Cummings, Jonny Gray, Robert Harley (captain), Matt Smith, Matt Fagerson. Replacements (nos 16 to 23): George Turner, Ryan Grant, Adam Nicol, Greg Peterson, Lewis Wynne, Ruaridh Jackson, Stafford McDowall , Lelia Masaga. Referee: Mike Adamson (Scotland) The match will be shown live on SS1 at 8.35pm