SOUTHERN KINGS
WHO ARE THEY? THE Southern Kings were formed in 2009 in time to coincide with the British and Irish Lions tour of South Africa.
That was their only match. They went down 20-8 to the tourists but made a mark with the robust nature of their tackling.
The franchise area is made up of the Eastern Cape and parts of the Western Cape, representing three provincial unions, the Mighty Elephants, who are based in Port Elizabeth, the East London located Border Bulldogs and the Eagles, who are based in George. WHAT’S THEIR RECORD IN SUPER RUGBY? THEIR initial application to join the competition in 2009 failed with Melbourne Rebels being awarding the 15th licence.
But Kings’ dream materialised when they were promoted at the expense of South Africa’s bottom Super Rugby finishers Lions for the 2013 campaign.
Former Ulster and Northampton coach Alan Solomons, who was later to be in charge of Edinburgh, was made head honcho coach and they gave a decent account of themselves in home matches despite having had little time to recruit and add quality to their squad.
However, they finished bottom of the table and lost a play-off with South African rivals Lions for the right to take part in the 2014 and 2015 tournaments.
The expansion of the competition from 15 to 18 teams saw them re-enter it last year. the Jaguares and Sunwolves being formed to accompany them.
2016 was tough going for the Kings with just two victories in 15 matches, only the Sunwolves finishing below them in the overall ladder. HOW HAVE THEY FARED THIS YEAR? THE Kings have surprised many by winning six of their 14 fixtures before meeting the Cheetahs and four of their last six.
They have racked up away victories over the Sunwolves, former champions New South Wales Waratahs, Jaguares and Bulls, and beaten the Sharks and Rebels on South African soil. WHERE DO SOUTHERN KINGS STAGE HOME MATCHES? AT the 48,000 seater Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Port Elizabeth, which was built to host the 2010 football World Cup.
More than 35,000 spectators watched the King’s debut match, against the British and Irish Lions eight years ago. HAVE ANY BIG NAMES PLAYED FOR THE SOUTHERN KINGS? NOT really. Flanker Cornell du Preez had a decent reputation while outside-half Demetri Catrakilis piled up the points with his solid goal-kicking.
Scarlets lock David Bulbring was in the Kings’ squad before moving to west Wales. ANYBODY OF NOTE IN THEIR SQUAD THIS YEAR? BACK-ROWER Andisa Ntsila has appeared for South Africa A and has one of the highest tackle-counts in Super Rugby this season.
Lock Wilhelm van der Slys had a brief stint at Aviva Premiership Worcester Warriors and is Kings’ goto man at the line-out. Prop Schalk Ferreira spent two years with record European Cup winners Toulouse and has skippered the Kings. WHO’S THEIR COACH? FORMER back-row or lock forward Deon Davids played and coached Boland and SWD Eagles before being appointed for Kings’ return to Super Rugby.
The 49-year-old has continued to coach the Eagles but that will probably have to change if the link-up with the Pro12 goes ahead.