Saturday 28 March 2015

Bonus point win for Kings

The Eastern Province Kings traveled to East London on Friday to face the Border Bulldogs in their second Vodacom Cup match at the BCM Stadium.

The Kings can feel satisfied with the outcome as they scored two tries in each half to secure a 27 - 17 bonus point win.

Kings flyhalf, Gary van Aswegen opened the scoring for the visitors as he kicked a penaltly in the opening minutes to take a 3 - 0 lead after just three minutes.

Kings flank, Paul Schoeman scored their first try ten minutes later, after Border were reduced to fourteen men when Wandile Putuma received a yellow card. Van Aswegen was unsuccessful with the conversion as they took an 8 - 0 lead after fifteen minutes.

Ten minutes later the Kings were in for their second try, this time through prop Simon Kerrod. Kings extended their lead to 15 - 0 after a successful conversion from van Aswegen.

Border's flyhalf, Masixole Banda kicked a penalty just before half time to take the score to 15 - 3 at the break.

The Kings scored a further two tries in the second half, including a hat-trick from Schoeman and their bonus point fourth try in the sixty sixth minute.

Schoeman scored his second and the Kings' third try ten minutes into the second half. Van Aswegen failed to add the extras as they took a seventeen point lead, 20 - 3.

Border's Ntando Kebe scored his team's first try at the end of the third quarter, Banda converted as they trailed 10 - 20 with twenty minutes to play.

Schoeman scored his third and Kings' fourth try in the sixty sixth minute, Scott van Breda added the extras as the Kings took a seventeen point lead with fifteen minutes to play.

Border's Sipho Nofemele scored a consolation try for his team as the game reached the final stages. Olivier Zono converted the try to take the score to 27 - 17 in the seventy sixth minute.

Zono had an opportunity to give his team a losing bonus point, but failed to kick the three points on offer as the game ended 27 - 17 in favour of the Kings.

Scorers:

EP Kings (15) 27 - Tries: Simon Kerrod, Paul Scoeman (3). Conversions: Gary van Awegen (1), Scott van Breda (1). Penalty: van Aswgen

Border (3) 17 - Tries: Ntando Kebe, Sipho Nofemele. Conversions: Masixole Banda, Olivier Zono. Penalty: Banda

Thursday 26 March 2015

Shane Gates warns not to underestimate Border

Eastern Province captain, Shane Gates warned that his team must not underestimate the Border Bulldogs in their second Vodacom Cup match when they travel to East London for Friday night's match.

"We know that we must never underestimate Border, and we need to be much more clinical because they will feed off our mistakes,” Gates said.

“We know to improve we have to focus on what we do well and we have received positive feedback from the coaches this week.”

The Bulldogs suffered a heavy defeat at the hands of the Sharks XV last week and head coach, Mzwandile Stick acknowledged the threat Border posed and said the home side would have a point to prove against the Kings.

“We know what to expect from Border and they will come hard at us because they will want to prove a point in this derby,” Stick said.

“We were disappointed with our loss against Griquas, but we know we are better than that.

“We have put that match behind us and now we want to pick up the intensity and get our game back to a level where we know we belong.

“We know we need to finish things better and we are working on that because we firmly believe we have the capability to do better.”

Kick-off is at 7:10pm.

Disappointing end to Madibaz Varsity Cup campaign

The FNB NMMU-Madibaz exited the FNB Varsity Cup presented by Steinhoff International after going down 40-8 against log leaders FNB Tuks in the final round-robin fixture at the NMMU Madibaz Stadium in Port Elizabeth on Monday night.

 

Madibaz head coach David Maidza said the focus of thseason was for the young squad tolearn and grow.

 

went into the Varsity Cup with the belief that it would take a few games for us to really come together as a team.

 

As the tournament wore on, I realised that we lacked a couple of things that we needed to work and improve on.

 

He said that, as a young squad, they had understandably been slightly behind some of the other more established teams in technical and tactical terms.

 

We learned a lot of good lessons from this tournament that we can implement going forward,”said Maidza.

 

With a number of the Madibaz’s senior players graduating, Maidza said he and the othercoaches were forced to take a long-term look at the team’s growth.

 

I think we’ve done the right thing in investing in the youngsters.

 

He said they were still dreaming of lifting the cup one day and will once again be pushing hard from next season.

 

I think the structures that we’ve put in place bode well for NMMU’s future as long as the students keep on putting in the hard yards.

 

“I’m excited about the future and hopefully we can retain the nucleus of this team for next year’s campaign.”

 

The Madibaz are set to participate in the Eastern Province Grand Challenge club competition, which starts in April.

 

“It is an opportunity for us to start building again and we are just hoping that we can put our structures in place to really use the campaign to our advantage ahead of next year’s Varsity Cup.

Despatch's unbeaten record comes to an end

SA Home Loans Durban Collegians ended GAP Management Despatch's unbeaten record on Saturday when the beat the log leaders 41 - 30 at the WJ de Wet Stadium in Despatch.

The visitors from Durban took a one point lead into the half time break, having scored three first half tries. Fredie Horn scored the first and right wing Kyle Hartley scored the other two, Duncan Campbell converted two and Brendan Cope the other one.

Despatch also scored three first half tries and one penalty. Billy Mintoor scored two tries and Dyllan Lamprecht the third, Ryan Brown was only successful with one of the conversions. 

Despatch fullback Justin Peach added a penalty kick just before halftime as Despatch trailed 20 - 21 at the break.

Cope scored fifteen points for Collegians in the second half, which included a try, two penalties and two conversions. Brendon Groenewald scored the other second half try for Collegians.

Despatch could only manage to score a late try and a penalty through replacement Francois Nel as the scores ended 41 - 30 in favour of the visitors.

Despite the loss, Despatch still stays top of the log on sixteen points as Durban Collegians ends in second place on fifteen along with Wesbank, but because they have equal amount of log points it is actually the team from Boland that qualifies for the play-offs. Unfortunately the rules states that, should two teams be tied on log points, it is the winner of the match between those two sides who will advance.

Despatch will play Vaseline Wanderers in the quarter final on the 2nd of April. Kick-off is at 2pm and the match will be televised live on Super Sport.

Scorers:

GAP Management Despatch (20) 30 - Tries: Billy Montoor (2), Dyllan Lamprecht, Francois Nel. Conversions: Ryan Brown (1), Francois Nel (1). Penalties: Justin Peach (1), Francois Nel (1).

SA Home Loans Durban Collegians (21) 41 - Tries: Kyle Hartley (2), Ferdie Horn, Brendon Groenewald, Brendan Cope. Conversions: Duncan Campbell (2), Brendan Cope (3). Penalties: Brendan Cope (2).

Wednesday 25 March 2015

Kings to face Bulldogs

The Eastern Province Kings have made a few changes to their side that went down 19 - 27 to the Griquas at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Port Elizabeth on the weekend.

The Kings have made five changes to their starting lineup and a further four to their bench for their away fixture against neighbouring Border Bulldogs at the BCM Stadium in East London on Friday.

The only change to the backline sees Scott van Breda replacing Sylvian Mahuza at fullback.

The tight five looks slightly different to the one that played Griquas, Cameron Lindsay replaces David Bulbring, Simon Kerrod comes in for Tom Botha and Charles Marais comes off the bench to swop places with Lizo Gqoboka. The only other change to the pack sees Paul Schoeman replacing Eital Bredenkamp on the flank.

Cornell Hess will look to made his debut for the Kings off the bench if he gets an opportunity to play on Friday. He played for the Bulls during 2010 and 2013, where he made thirty nine appearances for their Vodacom Cup and Currie Cup squads, and will provide cover at lock.

Ronnie Cooke also returns to the squad alongside Edgar Marutlulle and Stefan Willemse.

Kick-off is at 7.10pm.

EP Kings: 

15 Scott van Breda 14 Siviwe Soyizwapi 13 Hansie Graaff 12 Shane Gates (C) 11 Siyanda Grey 10 Grary van Aswegen 9 Kevin Luiters 8 Tim Agaba 7 Thembelani Bholi 6 Paul Schoeman 5 Cameron Lindsay 4 Tazz Fuzani 3 Simom Kerrod 2 Martin Ferreira 1 Charles Marais

Replacements: 

16 Edgar Marutlulle 17 Lizo Gqoboka 18 Cornell Hess 19 Stefan Willemse 20 Jaco Grobler 21 George Whitehead 21 Ronnie Cooke

Kings lose to Griquas in opener

The Eastern Province Kings hosted the GWK Griquas in their opening round match of this year's Vodacom Cup competition at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Port Elizabeth on Saturday.

The home team had a good first half, where they enjoyed most of the possession and territory which allowed them to score two tries in quick succession. Strong runs through flank, Thembelani Bholi and outside center, Hansie Graaff, gave them much needed momentum along with well excecuted kicking by flyhalf, Gary van Aswegen, which gave them some good territorial advantage.

The Griquas were however the one's that scored the first points as eighthman, Carel Greeff, crossed the line for his team's first points. Fullback, Gouws Prinsloo, added the extras as Griquas took a 7 - 0 lead after fourteen minutes.

The Kings started playing some exciting rugby towards the end of the first half, with the forwads driving it up as they played most of their rugby in Griquas' half, scoring two tries in the process.  

Battering ram, Bholi scored the first try after yet another powerful run through the Griquas mid-field, van Aswegen converted to level the scores at 7 all after eighteen minutes.

A powerful scrum by the Kings deep inside Griquas' twenty two, turned into a five pointer as scrumhalf, Kevin Luiters, dove onto a loose ball inside the in-goal area. Van Aswegen were unsuccessful to add the touchline conversion as the Kings took a 12 - 7 lead with fifteen minutes to the half time break.

The Kings had an opportunity to extend their lead five minutes later, but van Aswegen failed with a penlty kick.

Prinsloo added three points on half time to bring the score within two points after he kicked a successful penalty, as they trailed 10 - 12 at the break.

Kings head coach, Mzwandile Stick made some early tactical substitutions as he replaced Martin Ferreira, Kevin Luiters, Tom Botha and Hansie Graaff all within the first twenty minutes.

Prinsloo kicked his team into the lead when he added three points through a penalty kick in the fifty third minute.

Ten minutes later Steph Roberts scored his team's second try as Griquas extended their lead to 20 - 12 after a successful conversion by Prinsloo.

Stick felt it was necessary to make another replacement as George Whitehead came on for van Aswegen.

Griquas took a comfortable lead when replacement scrumhalf, Abraham Griesel, scored their third try with fifteen minutes to play. Prinsloo added his third successful conversion as they took a 27 - 12 lead.

The Kings scored a conselation try through replacement scrumhalf, Jaco Grobler, as Griquas were reduced to thirteen men after continuous infringements inside the "red zone". Replacement, Scott van Breda added the extra's as they trailed 19 - 27 with less then ten minutes to play.

The Kings failed to add any further points to the scoreboard as Griquas claimed a 27 - 19 win.

Scorers:

EP Kings (12) 19 - Tries: Thembelani Bholi, Kevin Luiters, Jaco Grobler. Conversions: Gary van Aswegen (1), Scott van Breda (1).

GWK Griquas (10) 27 - Tries: Carel Greeff, Steph Roberts, Abraham Griesel. Conversions: Gouws Prinsloo (3). Penalties: Prinsloo (2)

Monday 23 March 2015

Madibaz looking for strong finish

The FNB NMMU-Madibaz will be looking for a strong finish against log leaders Tuks in their seventh and final match of the FNB Varsity Cup presented by Steinhoff International in Port Elizabeth tonight.

 

Although the Madibaz will not progress beyond the round-robin stages of this year’s tournament, they have promised to come out fighting from the first whistle.

 

Madibaz head coach David Maidza said that the team wanted to go out with a bang and were aiming to give it their all in the last game.

 

Coming from the boys themselves, and what Jarryd (Buys) has been saying to them this week, is that even though this is our last game we cannot throw in the towel.

 

“And that is what I have asked of them too – for us to get everything clicking on Monday,” he said.

 

Maidza said the team still believed that they could have been in a better position at this point of the tournament, but he wanted to see things come together for them in the final throw down.

 

They deserve to have a bit of reward after all the persistence and hard work they have put inthis season.

 

He said the team had been unlucky in a few games along the way and that there were alsotimes when they did not play well or the other team was simply smarter on the day.

 

But I am happy to say that we never lost by giving in. The boys have really tried this seasonand I am so proud of them for their continued effort.”

 

A few injuries have forced Maidza to make some changes to the starting line-up for Monday’s match.

 

A knee injury will see captain Buys sitting out the final showdown, with Tythan Adams replacing him at fullback.

 

Khaya Malotana will step off the bench to take over from Adams at right wing, with Andile Jhoslotting into the utility back position in place of Malotana.

 

Brian Skosana holds onto number 11 with Yamkela Ngam still carrying an injury that will force him to miss the final fixture.

 

Flyhalf Ruan Allerston makes aappearance after a long break, replacing utility back Steven Hansel who moves to the replacements.

 

Vice-captain and left flank CJ Velleman will be replaced by Jody Reyneke, a move which sees Dane van der Westhuizen coming off the bench to slot in as hooker.

 

Van der Westhuizen’s move sidelines Warrick Venter, with Zane Marx joining him on the bench.

 

FNB NMMU Young Guns’ lock Elandre van der Merwe returns to the main Madibaz squad to replace Stephen Zaayman at number four.

 

The match kicks off at 4.45pm at the NMMU Stadium.

 

FNB Madibaz: 


15 Tythan Adams, 14 Khaya Malotana, 13 Michael Bernardt, 12 Devon Lailvaux, 11 Brian Skosana, 10 Ruan Allerston, 9 Daniel Acker, 8 Andisa Ntsila, 7 Rudolph Odendaal, 6 Jody Reyneke, 5 Rob Louw, 4 Elandre van der Merwe, 3 Steven Robesson, 2Dane van der Westhuizen, 1 Marzuq Maarman 


Replacements: 


16 Warrick Venter, 17Laurence Christie18 Zane Marx, 19 Ivan-John du Preez, 20 Ivan Ludick, 21 Steven Hansel, 22 Andile Jho, 23 Arno Ebersohn

Thursday 19 March 2015

Madibaz lacking that final touch

FNB NMMU Madiaz head coach, David Maidza said he was pleased that his young team continued to show a marked improvement as the tournament wore on, despite the fact that they would not progress beyond the round-robin stages this year.

"We need to work on a few technical aspects; we're just lacking that final touch and the composure at times. But these are things that can be rectified once we have been playing together for a longer period of time," he said.

After taking an 8-5 lead into halftime, the Port Elizabeth side ultimately went down 26-16 to the home team at the Danie Craven Stadium.

Although Madibaz fans had seen their team march through to the semi-finals in the preceding two seasons, it was back to basics this year for the fresh crop of inexperienced new players.

According to Maidza, the highly competitive Varsity Cup had been a tough introduction to tertiary-level rugby for the young squad.

"We knew that we would have to really push against the bigger packs and I really believe that we managed to perform admirably well considering what we were up against," he said.

"I hope that these players will be part of the team for years to come so that we can build a strong squad in the future."

Maidza said his players had shown what they were made of despite a lacklustre first half in the Stellenbosch game.

"In the second half we came out and performed much better but Maties were able to capitalise on one or two of our errors and that gave them the edge they needed."

Although the Madibaz were out of the running for the 2015 title, Maidza said they still planned to put in a strong performance on their home turf and finish the tournament on a positive note.

"It's going to be a really tough task against Tuks but we need to make sure that we do our job and give it our all to show our supporters a good last home game next week," he said.

The Madibaz are set to take on the log leaders in the final round-robin fixture, which kicks off at 4.45pm at the NMMU Stadium in Port Elizabeth on March 23.

Wednesday 18 March 2015

Kings to face Griquas in Vodacom Cup opener

The Eastern Province Kings have announced their side to face Griquas in their opener of this year's Vodacom Cup at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Port Elizabeth on Saturday afternoon.

Shane Gates will captain a fairly unchanged side to the one that beat the Lions 13 - 8 in a pre-season friendly a week ago.

Changes to the starting lineup sees Siyanda Grey replacing Luther Obi on the left wing and Gary van Aswegen replacing Tony Jantjies at flyhalf.

The bench sees the inclusion of Aidon Davids, George Whitehead and Scott van Breda.

Kick-off is at 3pm. (Game not televised)

EP Kings: 

15 Sylvian Mahuza 14 Siviwe Soyizwapi 13 Hansie Graaff 12 Shane Gates (c) 11 Siyanda Grey 10 Gary van Aswegen 9 Kevin Luiters 8 Tim Agaba 7 Thembelani Bholi 6 Eital Bredenkamp 5 David Bulbring 4 Tazz Fuzani 3 Tom Botha 2 Martin Ferreira 1 Lizo Gqoboka 

Replacements: 

16 Mike van Vuuren 17 Charles Marais 18 Cameron Lindsay 19 Aidon Davids 20 Jaco Grobler 21 George Whitehead 22 Scott van Breda.

Five tries not enough to beat Durbanville-Bellville

Don's Pawn Shop PE Police hosted Durbanville-Bellville in a Round 4 Community Cup match at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Port Elizabeth on Saturday afternoon.

The visitors led from the "get-go" as they scored four first half tries and a further two in the second half.

Inside center, Tiaan Radyn scored their first try in the second minute, followed by Raymond Olivier's try in the seventh minute and a second try by Radyn in the seventeenth minute. Olivier converted two of the tries as they raced to a 19 - 0 lead.

Police' flank, Frans Gerber scored their first try two minutes later, Juan Smit converted as they trailed 7 - 19 after the first quarter.

Brendan April scored Durbanville-Bellville's bonus point try five minutes before half time. Olivier converted as they took a comfortable 26 - 7 lead.

Police scored their second try on half time through hooker Jeremy Sebia. Smit converted as they trailed 14 - 26 at the break.

The visitors from Cape Town scored first in the second half when flyhalf, Garth April, scored their fifth try in the forty first minute, Olivier extended their lead to 33 - 14 after a successful conversion.

Police scored back-to-back tries in the space of ten minutes, as Lyle Walters and Sebia, who scored his second and Police' bonus point try, pushed the score to 28 - 33 as Smit converted both tries with just over a quarter left to play.

Olivier scored and converted his second and Durbanville-Belville's sixth try as he gave them a twelve point cushion, 40 - 28 with twenty minutes to go.

Police fullback, Fabian Juries scored a consolation try with three minutes remaining, Smit kicked his fifth successful conversion as they trailed 35 - 40.
 
Olivier kicked a final penalty on full time, to bring his total tally to twenty three points, as he denied Police a losing bonus point.

Final score 43 - 35 to Durbanville-Bellville.

Scorers:

PE Police (14) 35 - Tries: Frans Gerber, Lyle Walters, Fabian Juries, Jeremy Sebia (2). Conversions: Juan Smit (5)

Durbanville-Bellville (26) 43 - Tries: Brendon April, Garth April, Tiaan Radyn (2), Raymond Olivier (2). Conversion: Raymond Olivier (5). Penalty: Olivier.

Tuesday 17 March 2015

Maties outscore Madibaz in Stellenbosch

The FNB Maties scored two second half tries to beat the FNB NMMU Madibaz, as they keep their play-off hopes alive at the Danie Craven Stadium in Stellenbosch on Monday night.

The Madibaz were still leading up to the fifty fifth minute, but a Maties try with ten minutes to go secured a 26 - 16 win for the home side.

Maties opened the scoring through flank, Beyers de Villiers, after just four minutes of play. Flyhalf, Brandon Thomson missed the conversion as they took an early 5 - 0 lead.

NMMU struck back in the twelfth minute with a try of their own when inside center, Devon Lailvaux crossed the whitewash for his team's first try. The visitors took the lead after a successful conversion from flyhalf Steven Hansel, 8 - 5.

The score remained unchanged as the Madibaz took a three point lead into the half time break.

Madibaz extended their lead early in the second half after eighthman, Andisa Ntsila, scored his team's second try. Hansel added the extra's as NMMU took a 16 - 8 lead after forty five minutes.

Maties turned the game in their favour when they scored three unanswered tries in twenty minutes, the first through Kobus van Dyk, followed by Neil Oelofse and the bonus point try by Michael Muller in the sixty eight minute. Thomson successfully converted two of the tries as Maties took a 26 - 16 lead with ten minutes to go. 

Madibaz were unable to add any further points at the end, giving Maties a well deserved 26 - 16 win as they keep their play-off hopes alive.

Madibaz will play their final game against log leaders FNB UP-TUKS at the NMMU Stadium in Port Elizabeth on Monday the 23rd of March.

Scorers:

FNB Maties (5) 26 - Tries: Beyers de Villiers, Kobus van Dyk, Neil Oelofse, Michael Muller. Conversions: Brandon Thomson (2)

FNB NMMU Madibaz (8) 16 - Tries: Devon Lailvaux, Andisa Ntsila. Conversions: Steven Hansel (2)

Monday 16 March 2015

Van Aswegen's boot secure win for Kings

The Eastern Province Kings recovered from an eight point half time deficit to beat the Lions in a pre-season friendly at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Port Elizabeth on Saturday.

The Kings went into the half time break trailing 0 - 8 after flyhalf, Tony Jantjies, failed with two attempts at goal, but accurate kicking from replacement flyhalf, Gary van Aswegen, in the second half gave the Kings a 13 - 8 win.

The Kings managed to put the Lions under pressure early on in the opening stages, playing most of their rugby in the visitors half. Both Jantjies and Lions flyhalf, Ashlon Davids, missed early attempts at goal in the first half.

It was only after 37 minutes when Lions flyhalf, Davids kicked a drop goal inside the Kings twenty two that they took a 3 - 0 lead.

Two minutes later Lions fullback, Damian Engledoe, scored his team's first try when he went over in the corner, Davids missed the conversion as the Lions took an 8 - 0 lead into the half time break.

The Kings scored thirteen unanswered points in the second half, the first through a Gary van Aswegen penalty in the fifty fith minute after replacing Jantjies at flyhalf.

Continuous pressure from the Kings allowed them to score their first try, after lock, Eital Bredenkamp crashed over from a driving lineout maul. Van Aswegen added the extra's as the Kings took the lead for the first time, 10 - 8.

Van Aswegen stretched their lead to five points after he added another three points five minutes later, as they led 13 - 8 with fifteen minutes to go.

The Lions did most of the attacking towards the closing minutes, but the Kings' defence held out to record a 13 - 8 win ahead of their final preparations before their Vodacom Cup opener against Griquas this Saturday.

Scorers:

Eastern Province Kings (0) 13 - Try: Eital Bredenkamp. Conversion: Gary van Aswegen. Penalties: Gary van Aswegen (2)

Lions XV (8) 8 - Try: Damian Enledoe. Drop goal: Ashlon Davids.

Saturday 14 March 2015

NutriTech 10 hour SA Touch Record in aid of charity

On the 28th of March, Team NutriTech will attempt to set a new South African Touch Rugby record when they will play non-stop for 10 hours at the Parks Rugby Club in Port Elizabeth.

Ten teams will challenge Team NutriTech continuously for ten hours, playing four games of fifth teen minutes each. The first game will start at 8am with the last one scheduled for 6pm.

Team NutriTech will include former Lions and Kings winger, Michael Killian, former Boland and Eastern Province fullback, Justin Peach, SA legends player, Riaan Swartz, Community Cup and Despatch player Kelvano King and Varsity Cup and Madibaz player Yamkela Ngam.

Event organiser, Christo Botha said the idea came to mind on a morning cycle somewhere between the Greenbushes and Seaview road.

Players will enjoy a NutriTech supplement zone where they will receive free supplements, a Score Energy Drink zone where they will receive free energy drinks and a Refreshhh Hawain zone where players can enjoy slushies, relax on bean bags or cool off in the splash pool between games. Ice baths will also be available for players.

DJ Score Energy will add to the festivities along with a "cash bar", big screen TV for the rugby and a jumping castle for the youngsters. 

Western Rugby will sponsor their Western Pro Touch ball, which will be in use for the ten hours.

Entry fees from the teams and all other funds raised on the day will be donated to the MTR Smit Children's Haven.

A big thank you to our main sponsors, NutriTech, Greyvensteins Attorneys, Score Energy Drink and Refreshhh.

For any further information, or to enter a team, feel free to contact event organiser Christo Botha on 072 238 4463 or christobotha@igen.co.za.

Shane Gates to lead Kings

The Eastern Province Kings have made a few changes to their side that went down 30 - 31 to the Cheetahs at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Port Elizabeth a week ago.

Newly appointed captain, Shane Gates, will lead the Kings side with no less than eight changes to their starting lineup when they host the Lions at the same venue on Saturday.

Two changes to the back three sees Sylvia Mahuza replacing Scott van Breda, who moves to the bench, at fullback and Siviwe Soyizwapi replacing Siyanda Grey on the right wing. Luther Obi will retain his place on the left wing.

Hansie Graaff will keep the number thirteen jersey as he partners up with Shane Gates, to form a new mid-field combination. 

Tony Jantjies gets his first start for the Kings, as he replaces Gary van Aswegen at flyhalf. Kevin Luiters will again start at scrumhalf with Jaco Grobler on the bench, along with van Aswegen.

Tim Agaba comes in at eighthman replacing Aidon Davis, to form the loose trio along with Thembelani Bholi and Eital Bredenkamp. The lock pairing remains unchanged with David Bulbring and Tazz Fuzani.

Changes to the front row sees Tom Botha, Martin Ferreira and Lizo Gqoboka replacing Simon Kerrod, Michael van Vuuren and Charles Marais respectively.

Kick-off is at 5pm.

EP Kings:

15 Sylvia Mahuza 14 Siviwe Soyizwapi 13 Hansie Graaff 12 Shane Gates (C) 11 Luther Obi 10 Tony Jantjies 9 Kevin Luiters 8 Tim Agaba 7 Thembelani Bholi 6 Eital Bredenkamp 5 David Bulbring 4 Tazz Fuzani 3 Tom Botha 2 Martin Ferreira 1 Lizo Gqoboka

Replacements:

16 Mike van Vuuren 17 Charles Marais 18 Jan Uys 19 Paul Schoeman 20 Jaco Grobler 21 Gary van Aswegan 22 Scott van Breda 

Wednesday 11 March 2015

Despatch leading the pack

GAP Management Despatch extended their lead at the top of the table when they beat Shumba Ferros at the Puma Stadium in Emalahleni on Saturday.

Despatch turned a three point deficit at half time into a 29 - 26 win after scoring three second half tries. 

Ferros took a twelve point lead after scoring two tries through inside centre, Christiaan Els, and lock, Werner Smit. Fullback Jan van der Merwe converted the first try as they took a 12 - 0 lead after thirty minutes.

Despatch right wing, Elcardo Mintoor, scored his team's first try two minutes later, flyhalf Ryan Brown added the extra two as they trailed 7 - 12 with less then twelve minutes to half time. 

Brown added a further penalty on half time as he narrowed the gap to just two points, trailing 10 - 12.

Despatch took the lead ten minutes into the second half after scrumhalf, Marlon Lewis, scored their second try. Brown added the extra two as they took a five point lead, 17 - 12.

Mintoor scored his second try of the afternoon as they extended their lead to 22 - 12, after a missed conversion from Brown.

Nkululeko Ngozo's try took Ferros within three points after van der Merwe succesfully converted, to bring the score to 19 - 22 with a quarter to play.

Despatch captain and eighthman, Jaco Swanepoel, secured the win for the visitors from the Eastern Cape as he scored his team's fourth and bonus point try with three minutes left on the clock. Replacement Justin Peach converted as Despatch took a 29 - 19 lead with the final whistle minutes away.

Ferros still had one try left as Louis Roos scored their forth and bonus point try on the eightieth minute. Van der Merwe converted as the game ended 29 - 26.

Despatch are sitting comfortable at the top of Group D, with three wins from three games, on fifteen points. Wesbank is second on ten points from three games, followed by Durban Collegians in third on 5, Ferros in fourth and Rovers Welkom in fifth.

Scorers:

Shumba Ferros (12) 26 - Tries: Werno Smith, Nkululeko Ngozo, Louis Roos. Conversions: Jan van der Merwe (3)

GAP Management Despatch: (10) 29 - Tries: Elcardo Mintoor (2), Marlon Lewis, Jaco Swanepoel. Conversions: Ryan Brown (2), Justin Peach (1). Penalty: Ryan Brown.

Springs snatch victory in 83rd minute against PE Police

Don's Pawn Shop PE Police suffered their second defeat on the weekend, as they went down 22 - 25 to East Rand Crane Springs at the Springs Rugby Club in Springs.

The visitors from Port Elizabeth took a seven point lead into the half time break, but two tries in the last quarter gave the home team a three point victory.

Police' right wing, Sabastian Loxsen, opened the scoring for his team in the fourth minute as they took a five point lead after a missed conversion from Juan Smit. Smit extended that lead a few minutes later when he kicked a penalty as Police took an eight point lead after nine minutes, 8 - 0.

Springs scored their first try through hooker, Riaan Botha, three minutes later. Johannes Zondagh missed the conversion as they trailed 5 - 8 after thirteen minutes.

Police scrumhalf, Daniel Vosloo scored his team's second try, Juan Smit added the extra's as he streched their lead to 15 - 5.

Zondagh kicked a penalty minutes later, as Police held on to a seven point lead until half time, 8 - 15.

Springs fullback, Zondagh brought the score to 11 - 15, after a succesful penalty kick early in the second half as they trailed by 4 points.

Smit failed to stretch Police' lead when he missed a penalty kick two minutes later, but hooker, Jeremy Sebia, crossed the line shortly thereafter as they took a 22 - 11 lead after Smit added the extra two.

Springs scored two unanswered tries in the last twenty minutes, the first through eighth man, Anton van Deventer and the second through replacement prop, Marthinus de Plessis, in the eighty third minute. Zondagh successfully converted both tries to give Springs a narrow 25 - 22 win.

Police is currently in fourth place on five points in Group A, four points behind log leaders Rustenburg Impala on nine. Old Selbornians is second on six and Durbanville-Bellville are also on five in third. Springs are currently at the bottom on four, but have a game in hand.

Scorers:

East Rand Crane Springs: (8) 25 - Tries: Riaan Botha, Anton van Deventer, Marthinus du Plessis. Conversions: Johannes Zondagh (2). Penalties: Zondagh (2)

PE Police: (15) 22 - Tries: Sebastian Loxsen, Jeremy Sebia, Daniel Vosloo. Conversions: Juan Smit (2). Penalty: Smit

Tuesday 10 March 2015

Maidza positive after his team's performance

FNB NMMU Madibaz head coach, David Maidza remained in positive spirits after his team's fourth loss in this year's FNB Varsity Cup, when they went down 21 - 23 to FNB UFS Shimlas at the NMMU Stadium on Monday night.

"We implemented the strategies we had been working on all week, and it was good to see the team working together to improve," said Maidza.
 
He said there was definitely a big improvement in the NMMU team’s performance this week, especially when considering how close the result had been against one of the top teams this season.
 
Maidza added that the effort his team had been putting in to minimise their errors had paid off on the night.
 
"The best part about Monday’s match was that we stuck exactly to how we practised playing the game."
 
"We stayed out of our own half for much of the game. We were attacking in the Shimlas’ half, instead of defending in our own all match," said Maidza.
 
“The effort has been there all along, except for the accuracy, and I think on Monday we were a bit more accurate with what we wanted to achieve in our game plan.”
 
According to Maidza, one of the key qualities that shone through on Monday night was the players’ willingness to learn.
 
"Although we weren’t close enough to finish them off, it is all part and parcel of growing as a young group and we will keep on learning."
 
“I think we have now learnt the steps that we need to be taking to move forward in the next game,” he said.
 
Madibaz remain seventh on the log, with seven points from five matches. They have scored 107 points and conceded 154, with 16 tries for and 22 against.

Madibaz' next match will be against the sixth placed FNB Maties at the Danie Craven Stadium in Stellenbosch on Monday, kick-off at 6:30pm

Madibaz lose the battle of two halves

The FNB NMMU Madibaz came close in beating the FNB Varsity Cup log leaders, FNB UFS Shimlas, in their Round 5 match at the NMMU Stadium in Port Elizabeth last night.
After trailing 8 - 21 at half time, Madibaz drew level through a CJ Velleman try in the sixty sixth minute, but a penalty after the eightieth minute gave Shimlas an opportunity to snatch a victory from the home side.
Shimlas took an early lead after lock Neil Claasen scored his team's first try, flyhalf Neil Marais added the extra's as Shimlas took an 8 - 0 lead after just four minutes.
The visitors added a further two tries after NMMU flank, CJ Velleman, received a yellow card for a dangerous tackle ten minutes into the game. The first was scored by prop, Teunis Nieuwoudt, after a driving maul and the second through their scrumhalf, Renier Botha. Marais was succesful with one of the conversions as Shimlas raced to a 21 - 0 lead within the first quarter.
Madibaz's captain and fullback, Jarryd Buys scored his team's first try after continuous pressure inside Shimlas half and good inter play amongst the outside backs. Flyhalf, Steven Hansel kicked the touchline conversion as NMMU trailed 8 - 21 with ten minutes to half time.
Marais had an opportunity to stretch their lead even further but failed with a penalty kick as they took a 21 - 8 lead into the break.
Madibaz looked like a different side in the second half, as they did most of the playing and continuous pressure paid off when right wing, Tythan Adams, scored their second try, Hansel failed to add the extra's as they trailed 13 - 21 with thirty minutes left.
A few minutes later CJ Velleman brought the score within two points after he scored his team's third try, Hansel added the extra three to draw level at 21 all with just over ten minutes left to play.
A tense couple of minutes remained as Shimlas pushed NMMU back inside their 22. The presses was just to much for NMMU as they gave away a penalty after the eighty minutes, Marais added the two points to give Shimlas a hard fought 23 - 21 victory in the end, as they remain unbeaten after five rounds.
Scorers:
FNB NMMU Madibaz (8) 21 - Tries: Jarryd Buys, Tythan Adams, CJ Velleman. Conversions: Steven Hansel
FNB UFS Shimlas (21) 23 - Tries: Neil Claasen, Teunis Nieuwoudt, Renier Botha. Conversions: Neil Marais. Penalty: Marais (1)

Wednesday 4 March 2015

Too many errors costing Madibaz

FNB NMMU Madibaz suffered their second consecutive defeat, third of the tournament, on Monday when they lost to FNB UJ at the NMMU Stadium in Port Elizabeth.

The visitors from Johannesburg scored three first half and three second half tries to turn a thirteen point half time lead into a 42 - 13 bonus point win.

Speaking after the match, head coach David Maidza said the score line did not accurately reflect his team’s performance and commitment but that a number of mistakes had cost them dearly.

“The first two tries they scored, they did so off of our mistakes. We can’t keep making error after error,” said Maidza.
 
NMMU took an early eight point lead after flank, CJ Velleman, broke through the defence to sprint 20 meters as he scored his team's first try. Steven Hansel converted as they took an 8 - 0 lead after just two minutes.

UJ replied with three tries, two of which were converted to take a 21 - 8 half time lead.

NMMU started the second half in a similar way when left wing, Yamkela Ngam, scored his team's second try two minutes into the half. Hansel failed with the touch line conversion as the Madibaz trailed 13 - 21 in the 42nd minute.

Frustration crept in as the Madibaz struggled to build any form of momentum, with passes not going to hand causing too many handling errors.

UJ added a further two tries and a penalty try, due to poor discipline, late in the second half.

“There is no denying that the effort is there. The boys are really trying,” Maidza added.
 
“But, at this stage, we’re putting ourselves under a lot of pressure by making these kinds of errors.”
 
He said that the
opposition had also noted the Madibaz’s lighter defence and destroyed them in the mauls.
 
“Defending too much in our own half, especially in our 22, is definitely something we need to work on for the next match,” said Maidza.
 
Despite giving credit to the team for their continued effort, Maidza said they had to cut down their error rate.
 
“We need to make sure that we come out next week and just hammer away again.
 
“Once we cut out some of the silly mistakes that we have been making, we will compete better,” he said.
 
According to Maidza, the errors that needed to be improved on boiled down to both individual decisions and technique.
 
“Yes, we are a young side but we need to learn how to improve on our errors in a shorter period of time, and I do believe that if we put our heads down we can do it.
 
“We will be focusing on what we need to fix as a squad ahead of the next game,” he said.
 
The Madibaz are set to take on log leaders FNB Shimlas at the NMMU Stadium in Port Elizabeth on March 9 at 6.30pm.

Scorers:

FNB NMMU Madibaz (8) 13 - Tries: CJ Velleman, Yamkela Ngam. Coversion: Hansel

FNB UJ (21) 42 - Tries: Dylan Petersen, Robert de Bruyn (2), Adrian Vermeulen, Wian Conradie, Penalty Try. Conversions: Jaco Fourie (3), James Campbell (1)

Tuesday 3 March 2015

Former NMMU head coach now Kings' Head of Defence

The Golden Lions Rugby Union have released former NMMU Madibaz head coach, Brent Janse van Rensburg from his current contract with the Lions following personal reasons.

“Brent approached us and asked us if he could be released from his contract for personal reasons, and he wished to return to Nelson Mandela Bay,” said CEO of the Golden Lions, Rudolf Straeuli.

Straeuli said he wished Janse van Rensburg all the best for his future.

EP Kings CEO, Charl Crous said following the abrupt departure of former defence coach, Omar Mouneimne, the Kings had been hard pressed to find a suitable replacement for him.

“When we heard that Brent was returning to Nelson Mandela Bay, we approached him to consider taking up the position of Head of Defence,” said Crous.

“Brent is a top calibre coach, having earned his stripes in the school system and at the NMMU Madibaz, and we are confident that he will play a significant role in our preparations going forward” said Crous.

Crous said he was sure that Janse van Rensburg would fit into the existing structures quite seamlessly, having already had a close working relationship with the Kings during his tenure as Head Coach of the NMMU Madibaz Varsity Cup side.  

“We are also extremely thankful to the Lions who have, in good faith, released Brent to take up this opportunity with us,” he said.

Janse van Rensburg started his rugby coaching career with the South African Rugby Institute, before moving through the school ranks until he was hired as the Head of Rugby at Queens College, later becoming the school's professional rugby coach.

His work at the school got him noticed by Border rugby and Janse van Rensburg spent two years with the union before taking on both the role of Technical Director and Head Coach at Alan Zondagh’s Rugby Performance Centre.

In 2011, Janse van Rensburg took over as Head Coach at NMMU and built the team into a competitive unit that worked closely with the Kings Academy and EP Kings professional structures.

He then went on to take the position of Head Coach for Grey High School last year, before recently taking up a coaching position at the Lions.


Monday 2 March 2015

Another bonus point win for Despatch

GAP Management Despatch picked up yet another bonus point win, after they scored seven tries in their second round match at the WJ de Wet Stadium in Despatch on the weekend.

Their opponents, Wesbank, scored three unanswered tries in the first twenty minutes, taking a 19 - 0 lead by the end of the first quarter.

Despatch struck back with three tries of their own, the first through outside centre, Siviwe Magaba. The conversion was missed as they trailed 5 - 19 halfway through the first half.

Inside centre, Basil de Doncker scored their second try as they trailed 10 - 19, after Morne Labuschagne failed to add the extra's.

Despatch's Kalvano King scored his fourth try of the tournament when he crossed the line for his team's third try, just before half time. Labuschagne added the extra's as they trailed 17 - 19 at halftime.

Despatch picked up their bonus point try in the fifty second minute when right wing, Cameron Jacobs, scored their forth try. Labuschagne missed the conversion as Despatch took the lead for the first time, 22 - 19.

Flank, Elroy Ligman went over for their fifth try three minutes later as they stretched their lead to 29 - 19, after a successful conversion from Labuschagne.

Wesbank's Dashton Wellman kicked two penalties to bring the score back to a four point ball game, as they trailed 25 - 29.

Despatch had the final say when they scored two unanswered tries in the final five minutes, the first from captain, Jaco Swanepoel and the second from left wing, Baldwin McBean. Labuschagne converted both tries as the game ended 43 - 25.

Despatch extended their lead to ten points from two bonus point wins in Group D. Durban Collegians are in second place, with a game in hand, on five. Wesbank is also on five log points in third, followed by Rovers Welkom in fourth and Ferros in fifth.

Scorers:

GAP Management Despatch (17) 43 - Tries: Siviwe Magaba, Basil de Doncker, Kalvano King, Cameron Jacobs, Elroy Ligman, Jaco Swanepoel, Baldwin McBean. Conversions: Morné Labuschagne (4).

Wesbank (19) 25 - Tries: Anvon Davids, Evan Liedeman, Salmon Coetzee. Coversions: Dashton Wellman (2). Penalties: Wellman (2)

First win for PE Police

Don's Pawn Shop PE Police celebrated their first win in the Cell C Community Cup, after a late second half try secured a victory against Kempston Old Selbornians at Kemsley Park in Port Elizabeth on Saturday afternoon.

Police turned a three point half time lead into a 15 - 8 win, scoring two second half tries.

Police took an early three point lead through a Juan Smit penalty, after missing an opportunity a few minutes earlier, 3 - 0 after seventeen minutes.

The score remained the same as Police took a three point lead into the half time break.

Three minutes into the second half Police stretched their lead by five points after inside centre, Alwyn Jordaan, scored their first try. Smit missed the extra two as Police took an 8 - 0 lead.

Old Selbornians scored their first points when captain and eighthman, Roy Bursey, scored his team's first try. Dale Sabbagh missed the conversion as they trailed 5 - 8 in the fiftieth minute.

Smit scored a late try with ten minutes to go as he stretched Police' lead to 11 points, after he also successfully converted his try, giving them a 16 - 5 lead.

Old Selbornians flyhalf, Sabbagh kicked a last minute penalty as the game ended 16 - 8, giving the Port Elizabeth side their first win.

The win sees Police move to fourth, one point less than Old Selbornians in third, Rustenburg Impala in second and Durbanville-Bellville in first, all on five points after two rounds.

Scorers:

PE Police (3) 16 - Tries: Alwyn Jordaan, Juan Smit. Conversion: Smit. Penalty: Smit.

Kempston Old Selbornians (0) 8 - Try: Roy Bursey. Penalty: Dale Sabbagh.