CJ big threat to Kings
TOMORROW’S clash against Munster offers the Southern Kings an opportunity to see what level they must aspire to if they want to reach PRO14 playoffs, coach Deon Davids says. While the Kings have won only one of their opening 18 matches, Munster have already reached the semifinals of the European Champions Cup and look set for a berth in the PRO14 playoffs. After the Munster clash at the Outeniqua Stadium in George, the Kings complete their season with matches against the Cardiff Blues and the Cheetahs at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Port Elizabeth. “There will be big challenges for the Kings over the next three weeks,” Davids said. “The recent European Champions Cup game between Munster and Toulon was at the same level as test rugby. “Irish rugby is on a high at the moment. In the game against Munster we will be able to see where we have to work towards if we want to reach PRO14 playoff games. “I don’t think Munster will take their foot off the pedal against us. They are professionals. If I were in their shoes I would use the tour to build up to their playoff games in the PRO14 and Champions Cup.”
Davids is well aware of the threat Munster’s Ireland and British and Ireland Lions star CJ Stander will pose for his team.
Stander, who was born in George, made his mark at Ulster and has played 23 tests for Ireland.
“I coached CJ when he played for the Junior Boks. He is a very good player and has good leadership qualities. It will be emotional for him to play in front of his family and friends in George again.”
Davids has left intact the entire forward pack that did duty in the narrow 36-35 defeat against Benetton, but the backline and bench show changes.
Flyhalf Martin du Toit returns to the starting lineup in place of Kurt Coleman, who is out for the rest of the season after fracturing his left leg against Benetton.
Yaw Penxe returns at left wing in place of Alshaun Bock and Michael Makase retains his berth on the opposite flank.
Jacques Nel gets an opportunity to start in the No 12 jersey, switching with Luzuko Vulindlu, who moves to the bench. The Kings team: (Nos 15 to 9): Masixole Banda, Michael Makase, Jacques Nel, Berton Klaasen, Yaw Penxe, Martin du Toit, Godlen Masimla. (Nos 1 to 8) Schalk Ferreira (captain), Stephan Coetzee, Pieter Scholtz, Stephan Greeff, Bobby de Wee, Andisa Ntsila, Martinus Burger, Ruaan Lerm. Replacements (Nos 16 to 23): Alandre van Rooyen, Justin Forwood, Luvuyo Pupuma, Lubabalo Mtyanda, Lusanda Badiyana, Rudi van Rooyen, Ntabeni Dukisa, Luzuko Vulindlu.