Better work ethic crucial for Kings in bullring

SKIPPER Tim Whitehead wants the EP Kings to improve their work ethic when they face the high-riding Blue Bulls in a Currie Cup clash at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria tomorrow night.

Though the Kings beat Griquas thanks to a late try in their last game at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, Whitehead wants a bigger effort against a strong Bulls team.

“A win makes a massive difference for us and the team is really happy for that, though we left it for the last play of the game,” said Whitehead.

“Our main problem was our work ethic and hopefully we can rectify that this week because it is a big thing for us. We can improve our work ethic.”

Whitehead, who scored two tries in the win over Griquas, has warned his teammates they will have to be at their sharpest to hold the Bulls at bay.

With only two wins after eight rounds in the Currie Cup, the Kings kept themselves from crashing to the bottom of the log with their timely win over bottom-placed Griquas.

“The Bulls bring a massive physical vibe to the game whenever you play them,” said Whitehead.

“This year they have mixed it up a bit more – they have played a bit more attacking rugby. In the past they played more of a forwards and kicking game. They have mixed it up more with their exciting back three.

“I'm expecting a bit of a combination of kicking and bit of attack and the Bulls have been successful at that this year. Defensively we have to be sharp and territorially we have to be on our game.

“It is all about consistency for us and I like to keep the enjoyment factor as high as I can. Hopefully the guys will see it as an opportunity and go out there and enjoy themselves. The spirits are higher after the win and we will take that forward to Loftus,” said Whitehead.

Bulls hooker Bandise Maku will play in his 50th Currie Cup match tomorrow.

Maku started in last weekend’s win over the Sharks, with coach Nollis Marais changing one in the pack that fronted up in Durban.

RG Snyman starts at lock in his first runon for the senior side, swopping places with Marvin Orie, who will play off the bench. In another change, Corniel Els is on the bench for Jaco Visagie, with the latter out with an ankle sprain.

At the back, Dries Swanepoel is back at centre, replacing Jan Serfontein who received a World Cup call-up for the Boks.