Friday 30 August 2013

EP Kings u21 to face Griquas u21

The Kings u21 side sent out a clear warning to any team that will take them on at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium as Robbie Kempson’s men put the Griffons to the sword last week, running out convincing 58-7 winners. 


A number of the players stood up and put in quality performances, the skipper on the day Ace Jho was outstanding, his distribution, accuracy and timing were crucial in a lot of tries. His centre partner, Lonwabo Ntleki ran in a hat-trick of tries. The forwards effort should be commended, they outmuscled the Griffons up front and provided lots of front foot ball for the backline. The men take on the Griquas u21 side this week. 


The coaches named a strong side with a few changes and 6 new faces in the starting XVCaptain of the u21 side, Dane van der Westhuyzen returns to the team after missing last week’s game through a minor hand injury. The hooker had a small operation on his hand mid way through last week, and the medical staff has given him the go ahead this week. The other change in the front row is Pieter Stemmet, who comes back into the no.3 jersey he wore against the Pumas in Week 1, after doing bench duty last week. The loss of Kevin Kaba to the u19 side opens up a spot in the 2nd row. Sanwell Jacobs comes in to fill the vacant role, the former John Walton High School scholar will wear the no.5 jersey against the Griquas, assuming the mantle of chief lineout lock for Eastern Province men. Wayvern Smith also gets his 1st start of the campaign, one of the returning players from last years  squad. Wayvern will start on the openside flank and will hopefully bring the same energy he brought when he came on for his 2nd half cameo last week against the Griffons. Vukile Sofisa completes the front row retaining his spot at loosehead. Kuhle Sonkosi who had a very impressive aerial performance last week both with the kick offs and lineouts, retains his no.4 jersey. Claude Tshidibi and Aidon Davis retain their respective jerseys.

 

The backline includes fewer changes with the imposing flyhalf Marlou van Niekerk moving to outside centre this week making way for a new flyhalfRuan Allerston is the new no.10, a former Shaks u19 representative, the former Port Natal scholar affectionately known as Zorba is said to be a hard tackler, he is comfortable playing in the no.12 jersey as well and is a great distributor of the ball. I look forward to following his progress at the Kings. Aya Dlepu also starts on the right wing, the 3rd man to start there in as many matches, following injuries to Sergeal Petersen against the Pumas and Ofentse Boloko against Griffons last week. The Hudson Park schooled speedster who’s got a great workrate and is a clinical finisher will look to work himself into some space. He tends to pop up anywhere and the Griquas will have to watch him closely. Sonwabo Majola will continue in the scrumhalf role and Ace Jho also continues at 12. Eben Barnard also retains his left wing berth. Another man who was perhaps as impressive as Ace Jho is fullback Shakes Soyizwapi, things happen when this guy touches the ball. He’s so elusive and very often has a hand in a teammate crossing the white line. He carves up defences, always a pleasure to watch. He’ll play in the no.15 jersey again this week.

 

Two of last week’s starters are on the bench this week, Ruan Roberts who enjoyed a good game in Dane’s absence last week goes back to the bench where he did duty during the1st game. Siphesihle Punguzwa, the man better known as Pitsa on the Border schoolboy circles makes way for Wayvern Smith. Marzuq Maarman returns to the 22 man squad on the bench after missing out on last week’s game. Brendan Hector, a Union High School old boy and member of last year’s u19 side which lost to Border in the final, will also make his 1st appearance for u21s should he come off the bench. Wanele Mbambeni will wear the no.20 jersey again, very capable of slotting in on the wing as well, he will primarily cover his favoured position of scrumhalf. Bangi Kobese was originally named in last week’s side at no.20, but he pulled out with a shoulder strain. Wanele subsequently replaced him last week.  The Dale contingent will grow by 1 more in the Eastern Province ranks as Sphu Msutwana is set to make his Kings u21 debut. The 19 year old outside centre has unbelievable pace, an elusive player who’s got incredible strength going forward. He’s incredibly hard to contain due to his strength and pace. He’s one of the exciting prospects coming through the Eastern Province ranks.

 

Good luck to the u21s, Kings supporters are behind you gentlemen, leave everything on the field and you’ll emerge victorious.    

 

EP Kings u21:


15: Siviwe Soyizwapi (Dale College)

14: Aya Dlepu (Hudson Park)

13: Marlou van Niekerk (Marlow Landbou)

12: Andile Jho (Dale College)

11: Eben Barnard (Brandwag)

10: Ruan Allerston (Port Natal)

09: Sonwabo Majola (Muir College)

08: Aidon Davis (Daniel Pienaar)

07: Claude Tshidibi (Potch Boys’ High School)

06: Wayvern Smith (Brandwag)

05: Sanwell Jacobs (John Walton High School)

04: Kuhle Sonkosi  (Westering High School)

03: Pieter Stemmet (Paul Roos Gymnasium)

02: Dane van der Westhuyzen (St Andrew’s College)

01: Vukile Sofisa (Grey High School, PE)

 

RESERVES:


16: Ruan Roberts (Daniel Pienaar)

17: Marzuq Maarman (Muir College)

18: Brendan Hector (Union High School)

19: Siphesihle Punguzwa (Selborne College)

20: Wanele Mbambeni (Hudson Park)

21: Siphumelele Msutwana (Dale College)

22: Juan Smit (Eldoraigne High School)


HEAD COACH: Robbie Kempson

ASSISTANT COACH: Mzwandile Stick      

 


Ludumo Nkabi - follow on twitter @ludz19

EP Kings u19 to face Griquas u19

The Eastern Province Kings u19s travel to Kimberly this weekend where they will take on the Griquas u19 side. The young men from Port Elizabeth have won both of their games thus far and will look to continue in their current form as they look to finish at the summit of the table. They currently sit on top of the table after 2 games, having won their 1st home game last week against Griffons 42-20 with Juandre Fourie particularly in fine form. The coaches selected the same starting XV for the 1st 2 games, this week however Coaches Ryan Felix and Rory Duncan have lost the services of the schoolboys who began their matric trial exams this week. They made a few changes to the team for tomorrow’s encounter with a few of the boys changing positions.

 

The loss of the schoolboys sees Kevin Kaba, a standout player for the u21s in their 1st 2 games, come down to bolster the u19 squad. The lock/loose forward brings a lot of experience and leadership to the team and will look to continue his fine form in the no.8 jersey for the u19s. His loose forward partners on the flanks will get their 1st starts of the season, having played off the bench in the previous 2 gamesDewald Meyer comes in on the blindside flank to replace Sabelo Sam who is writing his matric exams, JH Schmitt’s shift from no.6 to his favoured position in the middle of the front row at hooker opens up the openside flank berth for Pelser Hanekom


The team boasts a new lock combination, Erwin Slabbert moves from 8 to lock where he’ll partner the only schoolboy in the side, Tyler Paul. Tyler is a big bruising 18 year old who represented Eastern Province CD at Craven Week earlier this year, the St Andrew’sCollege boy, whose renowned for his physicality and lineout ability, will look to assert himself as he gets a taste of what’s to come next year when he joins the Kings Academy. The only change in the front row is JH Schmitt coming in at hooker for JP Jamieson, another boy writing his matric exams. The props are the only unchanged members of the pack with Captain Matthew Moore continuing at tighthead and Lyle Lombaard also set to run out in the no.1 jersey.

 

The loss of the schoolboys is less evident in the backs with the only real loss being the 2 scrumhalves who played against the Griffons last week. The absence of both Matthew Alborough and Francois Nel gives Roger Louis an opportunity in the no.9 jersey. Louis who played off the bench against the Pumas in the Kings’ opening match will look to stake a claim for the starting scrumhalf berth. Last week’s standout player Juandre Fourie moves out wide to the left wing where he’ll look to utilize his pace and power to good effect.  Khanya Mzilikazi shifts across to the right wing in place of Phelo Mfini. The new man coming into the inside centre role vacated by Fourie is Alex Banfield. The former Grey PE inside centre returns to Port Elizabeth having spent the 1st half of this year in Durban, Banfield has already made a handful of appearances for the Sharks u19s in their u19 competition. He has opted to return to the red and black hoops, his return to the Kings is a great boost for the u19 side as he’s a player of impeccable ability, gifted with a big boot, great distribution and great awareness, he’s a direct powerful runner who will look to give the backline some good momentum going forward. His ability to slot in at 10 or 12 will give the coaching staff more options. The rest of the backline is unchanged as Khaya Malotana another player who enjoyed some good form last week continues in the no.15 jersey. Warren Swarts and Sherwin Slater also retain their no.10 and no.13 respectively.


The bench also includes a few changes with 3 of the men on debut for the Kings u19s, former Grey PE boy Francois van der Walt comes onto the bench to cover the 2nd row. Sokhana Mpemba, an old Queenian, joins 3 other former Queen’s boys in the squad, the big robust loose forward who enjoys the hard stuff will relish the opportunity to run out in the black and red hoops. The last of the men who will be on debut tomorrow is Mario MouwerMouwer who was educated at Brandwag will cover scrumhalf from the bench. Phelo Mfini is the only member of last week’s XV to drop to the bench.

 

If any of the Kings supporters are in the Kimberly area, they should make an effort to go support the young men when they kick off at 13h00 tomorrow. Good luck to Ryan, Rory, Matthew and the boys, Kimberly is a tough place to play, but the Kings Army is behind you lads. Bring the 5 points home!!!

 

Kings u19: 

15: Khaya Malotana (Queen’s College)

14: Khanya Mzilikazi (Queen’s College)

13: Sherwin Slater (Andrew Rabie High School)

12: Alex Banfield (Grey High School, PE)

11: Juandre Fourie (Marlow Landbou)

10: Warren Swartz (Stirling High School)

09: Roger Louis (Cillie High School)

08: Kevin Kaba (Queen’s College)

07: Dewald Meyer (Otto du Plessis)

06: Pelser Hanekom (Daniel Pienaar)

05: Erwin Slabbert (Framesby High School)

04: Tyler Paul (St Andrew’s College)

03: Matthew Moore (Brandwag)

02: JP Jamieson (Oudtshoorn High School)

01: Lyle Lombaard (Otto du Plessis)

 

RESERVES:

16: Similile Qinela (Selborne College)

17: Divan Nell (PJ Olivier)

18: Francois van der Walt (Grey High School, PE)

19: Sokhana Mpemba (Queen’s College)

20: Mario Mouwer (Brandwag)

21: Mitchell Turner (Selborne College)

22: Siviwe Bisset (Grey High School, PE)

23: Phelo Mfini (Grey High School, PE)

 

HEAD COACH: Ryan Felix

ASSISTANT COACH: Rory Duncan

 


Ludumo Nkabi

Tuesday 27 August 2013

Nell back to lead the Kings

Darron Nell makes a welcoming return to the EP Kings side, after missing last weeks game against the Griffons. The Griffons game was a great confidence builder for the Kings ahead of their clash against the Leopards in Potchefstroom on Friday evening.

Nell is not the only Southern Kings player to make his return to the side, as Cornell du Preez also returns to the starting line up at the back of the scrum. Nell will be taking over the captaincy from Tiger Mangweni who returns to vice captain. With du Preez starting at no8, Tim Agaba moves to openside flank and Devin Oosthuizen shifts to the blindside.

“The backs remain unchanged, to ensure continuity and build on what we accomplished during the Griffons game,” said Currie Cup Head Coach, David Maidza.

Stefan Willemse moves to the bench to make way for du Preez, while Boetie Britz comes onto the bench in place of Albie de Swardt, who was being rested.

“Of course we were very happy with the result against the Griffons, but there are always areas we can improve on and we will be looking to improve on some of those aspects in this game,” said Maidza.

Maidza said he was expecting a tough game against the Leopards, who were particularly strong up front.

“We need to take the game to the next level and ensure that we build on the momentum from the last game. We need to step up if we wish to take part in the playoffs,” he said.

Nell also lauded the Leopards forwards, saying the team was expecting quite a physical encounter on Friday.

“The Leopards have a great pack, with some big players, so we’re expecting quite a physical game, which is going to be a nice challenge for us,” Nell said.

Its a crucial game for the Kings to win, if they beat the Leopards they will leapfrog them and move to 3rd on the log, assuming SWD will beat the bottom of the log Valke who will then move into 2nd place. The Pumas are set for a home semi final and posible final, with the Leopards, SWD, Kings and Boland all fighting it out for the second spot and a home playoff.

EP Kings
15 Scott van Breda 14 Michaek Kilian 13 Wayne Stevens 12 Siyabonga Mangweni 10 George Whitehead 9 Nicolas Vergallo 8 Cornell du Preez 7 Tim Agaba 6 Devin Oosthuizen 5 Darron Nell (C) 4 Samora Fihlani 3 Charl du Plessis 2 Hannes Franklin 1 Brenden Olivier 

Reserves
16 Boetie Britz 17 Lizo Gqoboka 18 Thabo Mamojele 19 Stefan Willemse 20 Dwayne Kelly 21 Ntabemi Dukisa 22 Brian Skosana


Kings u21s in try-fest against Griffons

The Kings u21 side scored 10 tries to 1 to beat the Griffons 58 - 7 at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on Friday afternoon. The Kings had a good start to their campaign after beating the Pumas 48 - 20 in Nelspruit last week.

The Kings u21 side scored 39 unanswered points in the first half, which included a hat-trick from outside centre Lonwabo Ntleki. Hooker Frederik Paulus Roberts, flank Siphesihle Qhamani Punguzwa, flyhalf Marlou van Niekerk and fullback Siviwe Soyizwapi scored the rest of the 1st half tries. Van Niekerk and Sonwabo Qengeba Majola were successful with one conversion each.

The second half started with an early try through Kings no8, Aidon Davis, with van Niekerk adding the two points. A few minutes later Siviwe Soyizwapi scored his second try but van Niekerk was unable to convert. Kings replacement Wayven Smith ended the try fest for the Kings in the 67 minute, with Juan Edmund Smit adding the extra two. The Griffons scored a consolation try in the last minute of the game through flank Wayne Ludick, Ryno Venter ended the game when he added the two points. 

The u21s are looking good early on in the competition with two wins from two games. With 10 log points they are currently second on the log, with only the points difference separating them and Boland from taking top spot. They've scored a total of 104 points which includes 18 tries and conceded 27 points and 4 tries. 













 





Sunday 25 August 2013

Kings u19s setting the pace

EP Kings u19s hosted the Griffons u19s at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on Friday afternoon. The Kings u19 side could not have asked for a better start to their campaign after beating the Pumas in Nelspruit last week, scoring 8 tries and eventually running out 46 - 18 winners.

The Kings were determined to keep their momentum and build on the victory from last week. The Kings first try came after just 4 minutes of play when full back Khaya Malotana opened his teams account, try was converted by Warren Bradley Swarts. Four minutes later the Griffons drew level when they scored their first try through their captain Gerrit Otto, try was converted by Deon Taljaard. The Griffons had an opportunity to take the lead, but Taljaard was unable to add the 3 points. Kings prop Lyle Lombard scored his teams second, Swarts converted and Kings were leading 21 - 7. Straight after the restart Taljaard added another 3 points for the Griffons through a penalty kick, but the Kings quickly answered back with a try through hooker Jean-Pierre Jamieson, again Swarts was spot on with the conversion. Taljaard added another penalty for the Griffons just before half time, but were still trailing 13 - 21 at the break.

The Kings continued their dominance after the break by adding another 3 tries to the 3 they already scored in the first half. Kings inside centre Juandre Fourie scored straight after kick off and also secured the fourth try bonus point for his team, try was converted by Swarts. Ten minutes later, replacement scrumhalf Johannes Francois Nel crossed the try line and again Swarts was spot on with the conversion. Kings were leading 35 - 13 with 20 minutes to go till the end of the game. Kings flanker John Henry Schmitt crossed the try line in the 58th minute to score his teams 6th and final try of the match, Swarts kept a 100% record as he kicked his 6th conversion to take his personal contribution to 12 points. It was how ever the Griffons who had the final say as flyhalf Taljaard scored a consolation try in the last minute of play, he also added the two points to bring his total contribution to 15 points. 

By beating Griffons 42 - 20, the Kings retain their spot at the top of the log with only the points difference separating them and the Valke. Both teams are currently on 10 points with the Limpopo Blue Bulls and Boland on 9. Griquas are 5th on the log with 2 points followed by SWD on 1 point, with Griffons and Pumas at the bottom of the log and currently on 0 points.




Saturday 24 August 2013

Griffons handed a Royal thumping

The EP Kings moved to second place on the First Division log after thrashing the Griffons 9 tries to 1. The Kings currently on 28 points with SWD in second with 27 and Leopards third on 26, with both still having a game in hand.

The Kings showed their dominance early on and with the first try resulting in a push over by Devin Oosthuizen with only 5 minutes on the clock, try converted by Scott van Breda.  It took the Kings only 3 minutes to get their second try through no8 Tim Agaba, van Breda was once again spot on with the conversion taking the score to 14 - 0. Vice captain Hannes Franklin scored his try in the 17th minute and after another successful kick by van Breda the Kings had a comfortable 21 - 0 lead.

Things were not looking good for the Griffons and you couldn't blame anyone for thinking they may remain scoreless after 80 minutes. Shortly after Franklin scored his try the Griffons got some good attacking ball, the ball was distributed down the line and the Kings could just watch as Griffons centre Japie Nel sliced through the Kings back line to score the first and only try for his team. Nel's try  was converted by Innes Kritzinger. The Griffons was again on attack and deep in the Kings half, but a pass intended to go wide was snatched by Kings flyer Michael Killian and with a 70 meter sprint to an open try line no one was going to catch him. The try was converted by van Breda and with still 10 minutes remaining before the half time hooter, the game was pretty much wrapped up and the bonus point in the bag. With five minutes to half time and deep in Griffons territory, George Whitehead gave a perfectly positioned cross kick that ended in a Wayne Stevens try in his 50th appearance in a Kings jersey. The try was converted by van Breda and the Kings went into the halftime break leading 35 - 7.  

The Kings continued where the first half ended, and two minutes into the half replacement Thabo Mamojele powered his way over the line. Van Breda had no intention of missing on the night and continued with his 100% kicking record, taking the score to 42 - 7. Stevens scored his second try in the 55th minute with van Breda adding another 2 points. Kings lock Samora Fihlani had the final say when he added his name to the scorers, crossing the line in the 70th and 75th minute. Both tries were converted by van Breda. When Marius Jonker blew the final whistle the Kings managed to put 63 points on the board with only one try from the Griffons. Van Breda was extremely impressive with the boot adding 18 of his teams 63 points.

The Kings will however have to wait for the remaining matches later this afternoon, for the final log standings, as the Leopards travel to Kempton Park to face the Valke and Boland playing at home against SWD. 
  

Thursday 22 August 2013

EP Kings u21 to face Griffons u21

Eastern Province Kings u21 came through really well in Nelspruit last week as they began their campaign against the Pumas. Robbie Kempson’s men secured maximum points in a game that was an even contest at halftime with Kings leading 24-20, the 2nd half however was all Kings as the men from Port Elizabeth scored 24 unanswered points to leave the final score at 48-20.

 

The men playing their 1st home game of the season will be hoping to continue their good run at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium as they enjoyed a good set of results last season at home. Coach Robbie Kempson named a strong side to take on the Griffons tomorrow. The team has a few changes and sees 1 positional shift.

 

The Kings will face the Griffons with a completely new front row with Marzuq Maarman dropping out of the 22 man squad altogether, Vukile Sofisa who played a few games for the u21s last year comes in at loosehead in place of Maarman. Dane van der Westhuyzen, the usual captain and hooker sits out this week after a small operation on his hand, former Daniel Pienaarhooker Ruan Roberts comes into the no.2 jersey in Dane’s absence. Pieter Stemmet shifts to the bench making way for a man returning from senior team duty, Enoch Mnyaka. Mnyaka comes in to anchor the scrum at tighthead. The former Dale College boy is mobile and very prominent in loose play, he’s a strong ball carrier and well-conditioned. These are some of the aspects that have impressed the coaching staff at the Kings. He joins a few old Dalians in the side to take the school’s representation to 4 men. The rest of the forward pack is unchanged, with Kevin Kaba and Kuhle Sonkosi being retained as the 2nd row combination. The backrow is also unchanged with the men who did duty last week entrusted with their respective jerseys again.

 

There are a few changes in the backline, scrumhalf Bangi Kobese is rotated with Sonwabo Majola as they swap jerseys, with Bangi Kobese on the bench and Sonwabo Majola starting this week. Shane Gates will miss the game due to a concussion, Ace Jho moves 1 position inside to the no.12 position where he made a name for himself, Ace also takes over the captaincy in Dane’s absenceLonwabo Ntleki’s selection at outside centre is a reunion of what was once the most feared centre combination in the Border region in their age group while both were at Dale College. Different time and different level now, but I can’t help but be excited at the prospect of watching these guys in action together again, they were poetry in motion as a combination.The last change in the backline is on the right wing where former Selborne College winger Ofentse Boloko comes in for young Sergeal Petersen who is out with an injury this weekMarlou van NiekerkEben Barnard and Siviwe Soyizwaphi all retain the jerseys they played in against the Pumas.  

 

On the bench Yakha Qinela (older brother of u19 prop Similile) comes in to replace Ruan Roberts who’s elevated to the starting line-up. 2012 Kings u19 captain Stefan Zaayman also makes a return to the juniors after a few weeks with the senior Currie Cup side via the bench, replacing Sanwell Jacobs in the no.18 jersey. The bench includes 2 more changes as Aya Dlepu and Juan Smit replace Ofentse Boloko and Lonwabo Ntleki in the 21 and 22 jersey respectively.

 

I cornered injured captain Dane van der Westhuyzen for a quickword ahead of the game, he was very calm despite being unable to play as he gave us his thoughts, “It’s always tricky playing a team like the Griffons, because you never know what you’regonna come up against and against a side like ours they always seem to step up, but the boys have the talent and calmness to grind out a good result and hopefully the 5 points.”

 

All the best to Robbie, Stick and the boys, let’s hope they grind out the 5 points to stay ahead of the pack at this early stage and keep their good record in PE intact. Kings supporters, let’s rally behind the boys. Their match kicks off at 16:15 tomorrow as the curtain raiser for the senior game.

 

EP Kings u21:

15: Siviwe Soyizwapi (Dale College)

14: Ofentse Boloko (Selborne College)

13: Lonwabo Ntleki (KES)

12Andile Jho (C) (Dale College)

11: Eben Barnard (Brandwag)

10: Marlou van Niekerk (Marlow Landbou)

09: Sonwabo Majola (Muir College)

08: Aidon Davis (Daniel Pienaar)

07: Claude Tshidibi (Potch Boys’ High School)

06: Siphesihle Punguzwa (Selborne College)

05: Kevin Kaba (Queen’s College)

04: Kuhle Sonkosi  (Westering High School)

03: Enoch Mnyaka (Dale College)

02: Ruan Roberts (Daniel Pienaar)

01: Vukile Sofisa (Grey High School, PE)

 

RESERVES:

16. Yakha Qinela (Selborne College)

17 Pieter Stemmet (Paul Roos Gymnasium)

18: Stefan Zaayman (Framesby High School)

19: Wayvern Smith (Brandwag)

20Bangi Kobese (Dale College)

21: Aya Dlepu (Hudson Park)

22: Juan Smit (Eldoraigne High School)


HEAD COACH: Robbie Kempson

ASSISTANT COACH: Mzwandile Stick        


Ludumo Nkabi


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


Still a lot to play for

After a slow start to the this years Currie Cup 1st Division, due to a large number of the Kings players being part of the Super Rugby squad, there is still something for the EP Kings to play for. As it stands, the Kings will be unable to finish top of the log to qualify for a promotion / relegation match against bottom of the log in the Premier Division, but reaching the final is still a possibility. No final decision has yet been made about adding two extra teams to the Premier Division in 2014.

The Kings lost both their home and away matches against the log leaders Pumas, and also two home defeats against the Leopards and Boland. They've managed to beat the Griffons, SWD and Valke away with only one home win against the Bulldogs, putting them 4th on the log and 4 points behind second place SWD.

Even though the Kings lost against the Pumas during the dying minutes of last weeks game, they still have something positive to build on when they play the Griffons at home tonight.  

Currie Cup head coach, David Maidza, said there had been a few significant changes to the team, as steps were taken to manage players who had come through from a long season in Super Rugby.

Maidza said both locks from last week, namely captain Darron Nell and Steven Sykes, had picked up slight niggles from the game against the Pumas.

Tiger Mangweni will be taking over from Nell as captain, with Hannes Franklin taking up the vice captaincy role. Wayne Stevens will also come into the midfield to replace Ronnie Cooke, who has a slight shoulder injury.

Maidza also said Siyanda Grey was not available for selection, as he had to attend a funeral, while Charl Du Plessis came back into the side after his father passed away last week.

“The entire squad feels for what Charl has gone through these past few weeks, but I think what he wants to do is come back. I think he’s in the right headspace, and he wants to come back and play,” he said.

Looking back at their performance against the Pumas, Maidza said the side had definitely stepped up and had delivered a good performance, especially as the side had only played together for a short space of time.

“Our ball retention wasn’t as great as I would have liked to see it, and there were a couple of opportunities where we left some points on the field, but it was a definite improvement,” he said.

Vice Captain, Hannes Franklin said there was pressure on the team to perform well against the Griffons. “We want to perform; we’re definitely looking forward to the remainder of the Currie Cup campaign and putting ourselves in a good position  for the play offs to come. We definitely want to defend the title,” he said.

With only a handful of matches remaining the Kings can not afford to lose any more games in the hope of hosting home play-offs. The Kings u19 and u21 sides had good starts last week and both will play curtain raisers leading up to the main game starting 7pm at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium tonight.   


EP Kings: 15 Scott van Breda 14 Michael Kilian 13 Wayne Stevens 12 Siyabonga Mangweni (C) 11 Marcello Sampson 10 George Whitehead 9 Nicolas Vergallo 8 Tim Agaba 7 Devin Oosthuizen 6 Stefan Williemse 5 Rynier Bernado 4 Samora Fihlani 3 Charl du Plessis 2 Hannes Franklin (VC) 1 Brendon Oliver

Replacements: 16 Albie De Swardt 17 Lizo Gqoboka 18 Thabo Mamojele 19 Kuselo Moyake 20 Dwayne Kelly 21 Ntabeni Dukisa 22 Brian Skosana

EP Kings u19 to face Griffons u19

The Eastern Province Kings u19s got their campaign off to a great start last Friday in Nelspruit against the Pumas, the young Kings would’ve been encouraged by the result and score line considering it was away from home. The men from PE ran in 8 tries securing the 4 try bonus point well before halftime, eventually running out 46-18 winners.

 

The u19 men will play in familiar surroundings this week as they take on the Griffons at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium. Coaches Ryan Felix and Rory Duncan have opted for continuity retaining the same starting 15 that did duty last week, with Matthew Moore continuing in his role as captain of the side. The bench however sees 3 changes which see Ruan de Jager, Roger Lewis and Wayburn Howley drop out of the 23 man squad for Similile Qinela, Francois Nel and Luca Dallavecchia respectively.

 

Luca Dallavecchia adds to a growing contingent of Grey schoolboys in the Eastern Province u19 side, the young flyer is the 5th Grey PE schoolboy to represent the u19s this year. Another schoolboy comes onto the bench, a former Eastern Province representative at Craven Week for 2 seasons. Francois Nel who captained Hoerskool Daniel Pienaar this year is a very good scrumhalf, particularly known for his sniping ability around fringes and a very good pass. He’ll bring great experience to the side as he resumes his career in the red and black hoops.

 

The last addition to the bench is Similile Qinela; the former Selborne College and Border Craven Week prop will be making his 1st appearance in the red and black hoops. A mobile player around the park in his mould will be crucial at the later stages of the game as the bodies begin to tire.

 

I caught up with big tighthead prop and Captain Matthew Moore; he gave us a bit of an insight into what happened last week, he had this to say, “Well last week was our 1st game together and I think it went well, we missed out on 4 tries with knocks and so on, lineouts and scrums went very well and our backs did really well when they got the ball.”

 

He went on to say this ahead of tomorrow’s game, “Our captain’s run went well, as well as our week’s training leading up to the game tomorrow, the boys are really like brothers and that’s what you need in a team.”  He also added, “The Griffons are a very good team and we respect them, but we will come out all guns blazing. They will probably play with their forwards, but we are up for it and keen for the game tomorrow. Everything will start with us in the front row tomorrow; we need to give our brothers at the back quality ball.”

 

We as the King supporters need to get behind these young lads. This promises to be a good season for the Kings u19, as Puma, Nutri Tech and ABSA believes in them as they continue they ongoing support of the junior team. We need to get out there and fill the stadium and support our boys as future Eastern Province Kings stars. The game kicks off at 14:15 tomorrow at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium.

 

EP KINGS u19:

15: Khaya Malotana (Queen’s College)

14: Phelo Mfini (Grey High School, PE)

13: Sherwin Slater (Andrew Rabie High School)

12: Juandre Fourie (Marlow Landbou)

11: Khanya Mzilikazi (Queen’s College)

10: Warren Swartz (Stirling High School)

09: Matthew Alborough (Grey High School, PE)

08: Erwin Slabbert (Framesby High School)

07: Sabelo Sam (Newton Technical High School)

06: John Henry Schmitt (Oudtshoorn High School)

05: Gerrit Huisamen (Grey High School, PE)

04: Stefan Ebersohn (Grey High School, PE)

03: Matthew Moore (Brandwag)

02: JP Jamieson (Grey High School, PE)

01: Lyle Lombaard (Otto du Plessis)

 

RESERVES:

16: Similile Qinela (Selborne College)

17: Divan Nell (PJ Olivier)

18: Pelser Hanekom (Daniel Pienaar)

19: Dewald Meyer (Otto du Plessis)

20: Francois Nel (Daniel Pienaar)

21: Mitchell Turner (Selborne College)

22: Siviwe Bisset (Grey High School, PE)

23: Luca Dallavecchia (Grey High School, PE)

 

HEAD COACH: Ryan Felix

ASSISTANT COACH: Rory Duncan



Ludumo Nkabi