Kings ready for challenge
EP KINGS wing Ronnie Cooke is expecting the Golden Lions to play an exciting brand of rugby when the teams clash in a Currie Cup Premier Division match at Ellis Park in Johannesburg today.
“We know the Lions still have a bit of the Carlos Spencer way of playing in their team and they are a very expansive side,” Cooke said.
“So we are expecting the Lions to throw the ball around and give it some air and play exciting running rugby. All their backline players are good and they can create something out of nothing because they have all the qualities. The Kings will have to be careful of the threat they pose.”
The explosive wing does not expect to be bombarded by high balls but will be ready for the challenge.
“In France I played most of my games on the wing, and there I received plenty of high balls every game, so I am comfortable under the high ball and it is not something I am scared of,’’ Cooke said.
“But I do not think this will be the Lions’ game plan or style of play, but I will be ready for it. I am enjoying my time on the wing and the coaching staff have confidence in me.
“To be in the starting 15 is a massive privilege. I just want to be part of this team because I think there is ambition and something exciting about this time, and I want to be part of it.”
Kings head coach Carlos Spencer said the Lions will not lose much as an attacking force after injury ruled their star flyhalf Marnitz Boshoff out of today’s Currie Cup clash.
Boshoff, one of the Lions’ stars this season, has been ruled out of today’s Premier Division showdown at Ellis Park because of an arm injury.
“Marnitz is a good player for them. When you need someone to kick points, he can kick them from anywhere, whether it is from the tee or drop goals,’’ Spencer said.
“But in terms of attack I don’t think they are going to lose much. He is only one player in the group. Their biggest force is their pack, and especially their loose forwards. So that is our main concern and we have to look after that group of eight if we want to have any chance of winning.”
The Eastern Province coach said errors at crucial times contributed to them going down 35-16 to Western Province in their opening game.