Third home win boosts EP pride

Victory over the Sharks has put pride back into the famous red and black hooped jersey of the EP Elephants, EP manager Thando Manana said.

After experiencing their worst season in history last year, the Elephants charged to a stunning 27-7 win over the Sharks at Wolfson Stadium in Kwazakhele on Sunday.

It was a third consecutive home win for the Elephants and left them in fifth spot in the SuperSport Rugby Challenge standings.

“This Elephants team not only won the game against the Sharks, but won back the pride for EP Rugby,” Manana said.

“On Sunday this team said they have had enough and dismantled the Sharks into pieces one by one. Inch by inch they fought to protect their house of pain which is the Wolfson Stadium. Dignity emerged from the depths of mediocrity.

“It revealed a new release of energy and commitment by the entire squad who have pulled together from day one.

“It should not be forgotten that this was a strong Sharks team that had a Springbok and Super Rugby players. What I took out of the game was how the individual performance turned into a collective team effort.

“We should remember that this team, and the province, have had a rough ride over the years.

“This team is here to show what can be done. A key element is to do the fundamentals properly.

“There was a pride filled with accomplishment. It was on both a physical and psychological level that comes with the game of rugby.

“So this is where we stand now with a 100% home record. It has not happened in a very long time. Last year there was just a solitary win out of 31 games.”

Manana said one-on-one interviews with the squad were taking place to establish which players would be available for the Currie Cup.

“Unfortunately a couple of the guys are moving on,” Manana said.

“Our loose forward Rynardt van Wyk is going to France, where he has landed a contract with a club. It is an offer he cannot refuse and we wish him well.

This team said they have had enough. Dignity emerged from the depths of mediocrity

“Some of the players from the Southern Kings Pro 14 squad are interested in staying on. We want to retain them for the Currie Cup and build on from where we left off in the Rugby Challenge.”

It is believed EP have offered Lubabalo “Giant” Mtyanda a two-month contract to lead the side in the Currie Cup.

Mtyanda, who has not been offered a contract renewal at the Kings, was in dominant form against the Sharks in their SuperSport Rugby Challenge clash.

The Elephants’ last game of the competition is against the winless Zimbabwe Academy on Saturday, and the Kings will name their team on Thursday.