Kings in bid to put leash on Bulldogs
Pressure on for win after two defeats
IF the EP Kings fail to keep a tight leash on the Border Bulldogs, they could find themselves being badly bitten in a Currie Cup qualifier at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium tomorrow (kickoff 2pm). The Bulldogs, with wins over the Lions and Sharks XV under their belt, will be facing a Kings outfit who have lost their opening matches against the SWD Eagles and the Boland Cavaliers.
There will be more than just points at stake in this clash because the bragging rights that accompany victory also count for plenty between the fiercely competitive neighbours.
The match will be played as a curtain-raiser to the Southern Kings versus Lions Super Rugby clash (5.10pm).
“It will be one of those derbies that we have come to grow and love,” Kings’ head coach Robbi Kempson said.
“From a size point of view, they are big. The manner in which they play is very direct and they have backs with a lot of pace.
“They tend to throw the ball around a bit, but certainly they have a large pack of forwards that the players will have to front up to.”
Kempson said the team had been working hard on cutting down the error rate, and had already seen a marked improvement during the game against Boland.
“We dominated the setpieces, both scrums and lineouts, and while there was a large score against us, it was not a real reflection of how the guys played,” he said.
Kings’ vice-captain Sintu Manjezi said the players had focused on defence during the build-up.
“Border are big and are going to be running hard at us. We have been focusing on our defensive lines and reducing the space to slow them down,” he said.
Kempson has made three changes to his starting lineup, with Jeremy Ward returning from the SA U20 camp to take up the captaincy. He returns to inside centre in place of Siphumelele Msutwana.
Nicolaas Oosthuizen replaces David Murray, who has bruised ribs, at loosehead prop. Athenkosi Mayinje moves from the bench to replace Jixie Molapo on wing.
Molapo is out with a knee injury, possibly for four to six months.
Tango Balekile, who also returned from the SA U20 setup, takes JP Jamieson’s spot on the bench, while Gregory Jackson comes in as replacement prop.
Chuma Faas also joins the bench in place of injured Davron Cameron. Keanu Vers starts on the bench. Tomorrow’s teams: EP Kings: Courtney Winnaar, Athenkosi Mayinje, Somila Jho, Jeremy Ward (captain), Lindelwe Zungu, Simon Bolze, Franswa Ueckerman, Junior Pokomela, Sintu Manjezi, JP Jonck, Cornell Hess, Tazz Fuzani, Louis Albertse, Warrick Venter, Nicolaas Oosthuizen. Replacements: Tango Balekile, Gregory Jackson, Philip du Preez, Stephanus Nieuwoudt, Chuma Faas, Riaan Esterhuizen, Keanu Vers. Border Bulldogs: Masixole Banda, Makazole Mapimpi, Sonwabiso Mqalo, Sethu Tom, Michael Makase, Oliver Zono, Bangi Kobese, Billy Dutton, Siyabulela Mdaka (capt), Athi Manentsa, Wandile Putuma, Lindokuhle Welemu, Johannes Jonker, Mihlali Mpafi, Blake Kyd. Replacements: Ludwe Booi, Buhle Mxunyelwa, Siya Ngande, Hendri Storm. Lukhanyo Nomzanga, Zukisani Yywaleni, Nkululeko Ndovu.
‘ Border are big and are going to be running hard at us