Kings chase Cup crown
Coach calls for fans’ support in semifinal tie
IT is vital that the EP Kings hit the ground running when they face the Leopards in a potentially explosive Currie Cup First Division semifinal at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium tonight (kick-off 7.10pm), Kings head coach David Maidza says.
“We discussed in our review that we have not had the best of starts in many of our games, so it is critical that we put on a good start and carry on with the momentum we have built up,” he said.
After a sluggish start to their campaign because many of their top players were still involved in Super Rugby, the Kings have strung together an impressive sixmatch winning streak.
In a close contest the kicking of reliable fullback Scott van Breda will be vital as the Kings attempt to successfully defend the First Division trophy.
The Kings coach has called on fans to support the team as they bid to reach next Friday’s final against the winners of today’s other semifinal – between the Pumas and the SWD Eagles.
“The big thing in a play-off game is good concentration levels and the guys playing for the cause of the team. I think we have been pretty good with our discipline and our penalty count has been pretty low in the past three or four matches,” Maidza said.
“We are going out there to make sure we take control of the game.
“The backing of the home crowd will also give the guys more voema.”
The Kings will not make the mistake of underestimating the firepower in the Leopards’ ranks because in a match in July at the Bay stadium the Potchefstroom outfit secured a 22-18 win. However, with the Super Rugby players back in harness, the Kings overturned that result when the teams met in Potchefstroom. In that clash the Kings emerged convincing 44-26 winners.
“Each game is a new event and you have to prepare and start afresh. It is now the semifinal knockout stage and it is all about margins and making sure every- one is fully concentrated.” If the scores are level after scheduled time tonight the team proceeding to the final will be decided as follows:
The team scoring the most points within a 20-minute extratime period (10 minutes each way) wins.
If still level, the team scoring the most tries, including extra-time, wins.
If still level the team with the highest log position after the pool matches wins. Tonight’s teams: EP Kings: Scott van Breda, Brian Skosana, Ronnie Cooke, Tiger Mangweni, Michael Killian, George Whitehead, Dwayne Kelly, Lizo Gqoboko, Albe de Swardt, Charl du Plessis, Devin Oosthuizen, Steven Sykes, Darron Nell (capt), Mpho Mbiyozo, Tim Agaba. Replacements: Bobby Dyer, Ross Geldenhuys, Wayne van Heerden, Stefan Willemse/Kuselo Moyake, Kayle van Zyl, Ntabeni Dukisa, Wayne Stevens Leopards: Danie Dames, Luther Obi, Dumisani Matyeshana, Adriaan Engelbrecht, Edmar Marais, Warren Gilbert, Johan Laker, S J Niemand, Morne Hanekom, Philip de Wet, Brendon Snyman, Peet van der Walt, Elardus Venter, Jacques Vermaak, B G Uys. Replacements: Edgar Marutlulle, Joe Smith, Stoof Bezuidenhout, M B Lusaseni, H P Swart, Tiaan Dorfling, George Tossel