Monday 27 May 2013

Kings left with two casualties

 

The Cheetahs left Port Elizabeth with not only 5 points but also left the Southern Kings with two injuries. The Cheetahs scored one first half and three second half tries to secure a 34 - 22 bonus point win to keep them in the run for a play off spot. Cheetahs are currently second in the South African Conference, five points behind the Bulls and fourth on the over all log.


Southern Kings Director of Rugby, Alan Solomons confirmed that both Siyanda Grey and Steven Sykes will miss the match against the Stormers in Cape Town this coming Saturday. Grey left the field in the 54th minute while Sykes stayed on due to all the replacements allready being on the field.  

 

“Siyanda has a hamstring injury and will be out for three weeks, while Sykes has sustained a shoulder injury that will see him out for four weeks,” he said.

 

The match was evenly spread out through both halves despite a period half way through the second half where the Kings let their guard down in which the Cheetahs scored three tries to add to their first half try. Johan Sadie scored on half time and Piet van Zyl, Willie le Roux and Sadie scored the second half tries. The Kings had to wait until the 79th minute to score their only try of the match through replacement scrumhalf Nicolas Vergallo.


Kings had 48% of the possession and 46% of the territory, spending 3:05 in Cheetahs 22 compared to their 3:16 spend in Kings 22. Kings were strong in the line outs winning all their throws and taking one against a Cheetah throw.


The Kings made 497 meters from their 97 runs compared to the Cheetahs 655 meters from 106 runs. Both teams were poor on the defense, Kings only managed 76% of their tackles and the Cheetahs only 78%. Kings forced 10 turnovers compared to the 13 from the Cheetahs.


Wimpie van der Walt was once again outstanding on defense with 14 tackles from 15 attempts, Luke Watson also made 15 tackles from 16 attempts. Kevin Buys also missed one tackle, 10 from 11. Andries Strauss made the most meters with ball in hand for the Kings, 76, followed by SP Marias with 43 meters and Shane Gates with 42. Andries Strauss hit the most rucks/mauls for the Kings, 9, followed by Bandise Maku and SP Marais with 7 each.


With Grey unavailable for selection against the Stormers the Kings can possibly look at Micheal Killian to add some speed to the backline and linking up with SP Marais might just add that spark to the backline. The Kings rely heavily on their pack of forwards and with an opportunity 5 meters out will easily drive any pack over their own try line, this is where an extra ball carrier will come in handy and a player like Daniel Adongo comes to mind. Adongo being strong and aggressive with ball in hand and ruthless on defense can just add momentum to the Kings pack when they face the Stormers in Cape Town this weekend. 



Saturday 25 May 2013

Exciting game awaits in Port Elizabeth

An exciting games awaits us in Port Elizabeth this afternoon, when the Southern Kings play the Cheetahs from Bloemfontein. The Kings would love to build on the momentum from a forth night ago when they beat the Highlanders in a four try bonus point win. The Cheetahs on the other hand are still in contention of a play off spot and getting a win in today will put them in a better position to make that more of a reality.

There will be quite a few players to keep your eye on that will add the ingredients for a very exciting game. The Cheetahs have a very potent back 3 in Willie le Roux, Ryno Benjamin and Hennie Daniller with the likes of Raymond Rhule on the bench, they can easily turn any situation into a scoring opportunity. Rhule and le Roux are also among the top try scorers with le Roux on 4 and Rhule on 5. The Kings will depend heavily on SP Marais to start something from the back with Siyanda Grey and Marcello Sampson to turn on the gas when needed.

Amongst the midfield its the reliable and solid paring of Andries Strauss and Ronnie Cooke against the exciting Johann Sadie and Robert Ebersohn with inside backs Elgar Watts and points machine Demetri Catrakilis calling the shots and directing play. Catrakilis is currently 9th on the overall points log with 107 points, he will also be looking to add more to that total before he joins the Springbok training group in the week. Two of the Cheetahs top points scorers are not featuring in this game, namely Burton Francis on 62 and Johan Goosen on 43.

The Cheetahs have two very explosive scrum halves in Piet van Zyl and Sarel Pretorius on the bench. For the Kings Shaun Venter has showed some promising performances and has really made the no 9 jersey his own with Argentinian Nicolas Vergallo as his back up.

But the battle will be won upfront with two strong leaders and players that prefer to lead from the front with Adrian Strauss and Luke Watson. Watson had a strong game against the Highlanders and looked like he was almost back to full strength, scoring two of his teams four tries. Cornel du Preez, who was man of the match in their last game, and Wimpie van der Walt will give their assistance to captain Watson to try and out muscle the likes of Philip van der Walt, Lappies Labuschagne and Heinrich Brüssow.

Another interesting tussle will be between Wimpie van der Walt and Lappies Labuschagne to reign as the best defender. Labuschagne is currently leading the tackle count on 194 followed by van der Walt on 184. There is quite a few Cheetah players amongst the top tackles, Phillip van der Walt is 5th on 162, Heincrich Brussow 9th on 148, Robert Ebersohn 11th on 148 and Francious Uys is 15th on 138. The closest Kings player to van der Walt is du Preez who is 19th on 136 tackels.

Steven Sykes and David Bullbring will also have their hands full with the likes of Francois Uys and Lood de Jager come line out time with Ligtoring Landman to play off the bench. Lourens Adriaanse and Springboks Adriaan Strauss and Coenie Oosthuizen will try and force their dominance on Kevin Buys, Bandise Maku and Schalk Ferreira who's really been impressive and gave some international front rankers a hard time in the scrums. 

This should be a very entertaining game with still so much to play for on both sides. Kick off will be at 3pm.    

Thursday 23 May 2013

From Kings Academy to Super Rugby

Perhaps a week or two late, as it seemed to slip under the radar that we haven’t acknowledged yet another Kings Academy product to be selected for our senior Super Rugby side. My sincerest apologies to Shane, the Gates clan and the Kings Supporters base at large. That of course doesn’t necessarily mean we can’t make amends.


The 1st time i saw Shane Gates play was for Muir College against Queen’s College (my Alma Mater) in June 2009, not the biggest fellow at 1st glance, but nothing could have prepared me for what followed.  Queen’won that game comfortably, but Shane however left a lasting impression on that day, if not with the entire arena, then most certainly with me. 


It’s safe to say, I’ve been a member of the fan club ever since that afternoon. I even remember after the announcement last year August, asking a mate of mine who lives in Port Elizabeth if Shane Gates was ready to lead our campaign in the no.10 jersey. His reply of course was that Shane needed more time to mature.


The Muir College old boy is a gifted flyhalf who is an Eastern Province boy through and throughHaving represented them at school and in his junior years with the Academy. He’s got all the makings of a great flyhalf, good awareness, booming boot, great vision, brilliant distribution and solid decision making. He is also comfortable at 12 but it is at 10 where he comes into his own. He’s matured a great deal since his arrival at the Kings, he’s grown with the seniors over the past 2 years, and this year marked a 3rd Vodacom Cup campaign at the tender age of 21. 


One of the big disappointments came last year as he wasn’t invited to the Baby Bok camp even after 1st choice pivot Johan Goosen was injured; it was perhaps the actions of a flawed selection system. As any young player would do, he got up and moved on after that disappointment and enjoyed a fantastic Currie Cup campaign where he was utilised in both the senior and u21 ranks. He relished the opportunity to spearhead the Vodacom Cup campaign at pivot and it was his eye catching performances in the Vodacom Cup this year that eventually prompted the senior coaching staff to call him up for a taste of Super Rugby.


He came off the bench against the Highlanders two weeks ago to make an earlier than expected debut as Andries Strauss had to go off with an injury in the 1st half. The performance was promising and mature, reflective of a player who’d been given time in the structures and grown into a player ready to take on much bigger stages.


Shane Gates’ promising start to his Super Rugby career bodes well for the Kings and hopefully he’ll be given more time on the park in order to decrease the workload of Demetri Catrakilis and Andries Strauss in the seasons to come as he grows into the Super Rugby competitionWell done to Shane and to Robbie Kempson and his team, we take our hats off to you once again. Keep up the good work.


Ludumo Nkabi

Wednesday 22 May 2013

Super Rugby opens door for another Kings player

Super Rugby has opened the door for another Southern Kings player to be called up for a possible national selection. Last month Sergeal Petersen got the call that he was included in the South African u20 squad, this time round it is Demetri Catrakilis that's been called up to the Springbok training camp.  

Catrakilis described being called up to the Springbok training squad as being surreal. Catrakilis is one of eight players who did not make the first training camp, he will be joining the squad after this weekend's game against the Cheetahs.         

Catrakilis has been an real asset to the Kings with his accurate goal kicking and is currently 9th in the most points column with 107, joining fellow South Africans Morne Steyn on 163 Pat Lambie on 139 and Joe Petersen on 125 in the 2013 Super Rugby season so far. He has converted 13 of the Kings 21 tries, kicked 26 penalties and 1 drop goal.

 

“It’s a dream come true for me, it’s something I’ve been striving towards for the past two years, but ever since I’ve been a kid it’s been a dream of mine, and to eventually be here is a bit surreal,” said an elated Catrakilis.


“I’m satisfied with what I have done so far, I could always get better and that’s what I am looking to do,” he said.


After winning the Currie Cup for Western Province against the Sharks last year he signed a contract with the Southern Kings and moved to Port Elizabeth for the opportunity to play Super Rugby.

 

“It’s been really exciting, it is a really nice team, it’s a nice union and PE is a really beautiful place.”


Maybe an opportunity he would have missed out on if he stayed at Province.


The Springboks will play their first test against Italy on the 8th of June at Kings Park in Durban.


The full training squad: 

Forwards: Tendai Mtawarira, Trevor Nyakane, Jannie du Plessis, Coenie Oosthuizen,Wiehahn Herbst, Adriaan Strauss, Bismarck du Plessis, Chiliboy Ralepelle, Eben Etzebeth, Flip van der Merwe, Juandré Kruger, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Siya Kolisi, Marcell Coetzee, Willem Alberts, Arno Botha, Lappies Labuschagne, Pierre Spies, Ryan Kankowski.

Backs: Jano Vermaak, Francois Hougaard, Pat Lambie, Morné Steyn, Elton Jantjies, Demetri Catrakilis, Jean de Villiers, Juan de Jongh, Jan Serfontein, Robert Ebersohn, JJ Engelbrecht, Bryan Habana, Lwazi Mvovo, Raymond Rhule, Lionel Mapoe, Bjorn Basson, Gio Aplon, Zane Kirchner, Willie le Roux.

Monday 20 May 2013

A team full of character(s)

The Southern Kings enjoyed a well deserved bye this past weekend after a tough ten weeks. As the competitions draws to an end with only 4 rounds left, two at home against the Cheetahs and Stormers and two away against the Bulls and Sharks, the Kings will be looking to throw all their cards on the table.

The Southern Kings team is build on character and during these last 10 games that character was tested on so many occasions. Coming close in the games against the Sharks and the Chiefs, a big lose against the Crusaders and showing some fighting spirit against Hurricanes. It all just gave the Kings momentum and made them a stronger unit as they drew level in Canberra against the Brumbies and a week later won their first game on their first tour against the Rebels.

The team suffered some disappointment as they returned to South Africa with a big lose against the Bulls at home. Their inexperience against the Cheetahs cost them at least a bonus point and the Waratahs just took them apart, but when a team is build on character they play for each other, they have a never say die attitude and they play with heart not big names.

Their character came through strong against the Highlanders, they looked more focused and played with purpose. The Kings scored four tries on the night and their defense held on when it counted the most. The Highlanders came out strong towards the end and after the Kings threw away a comfortable lead they had to work hard in the end, but it all payed off with a 34 - 27 win.

A team build on character will always have a few characters to add spice on the field. One of those characters must be Luke Watson. Watsons leadership was evident against the Highlanders, leading from the front and scoring two of his teams four tries. Watson struggled to get back into rhythm after his injury but it seems like he is back to form and it can only be beneficial to the team.

Before the start of the season you would have said Cornell who? Jacques Englebrecht is a First Division player and Sergeal Petersen is fresh out of school and Super Rugby will end his playing career. Some would have question the ability of Demetri Catrakilis as your first choice flyhalf. And the likes of Andries Strauss, Steven Sykes and Ronnie Cooke. 

Well Cornell du Preez was named man of the match against the Highlanders he's also been one of the strongest ball carriers for the Kings and someone that gives everything every game. Jacques Engelbrecht came to the Super Rugby scene when he replaced Luke Watson in the first game and i'm sure he's never looked back. Some of the bigger unions must be regretting not getting their hands on him. Engelbrecht or "Vleis" as he is known has gained many meter for the Kings with ball in hand and has left many opponents on their backs with his crunching tackles and storming runs. 

Sergeal Petersen fresh out of school scored two tries on debut for the Kings and was named man of the match in his very first Super Rugby game. Petersen was rewarded for his performances playing in the Kings jersey by being named in the SA u20 squad. The Stormers must be kicking themselves for letting the "Greek" go, opting for Elton Jantjies and not investing in the flyhalf that won them the Currie Cup last year. Catrakillis is in the top 10 of everything that involves the boot and has kept the Kings alive in all their games. He's been a great asset to the Kings.

Many would have said their players careers are over, but Strauss, Sykes and Cooke had still alot to offer for this young team. Their playing and leadership has been vital and their input has been irreplaceable for the future of this Kings team.

With only four games remaining, one can only predict more exciting rugby from the Kings and they need to back themselves to beat the Cheetahs and the Stormers at home. 









 

Sunday 12 May 2013

Kings rise to the occasion

When the Highlanders played the Southern Kings on Saturday it was really a case of trying to keep head above water as they were hoping to shake the Wooden Spoon tag and get their second win of the competition.

Most people would have probably bet against the Kings as the long Super Rugby season is taking its toll and fatique is setting in and also the fact that they have been struggling since returning from their tour. Playing the full 80 minutes without scoring a point against the Bulls and fighting back and doing enough to stay within reach against the Cheetahs but inexperience getting the better of them in the end.

But the game against the Waratahs a week ago was a different story. If the game against the Crusaders which ended 55 - 20 was a "rugby lesson" and the fact that the Kings had no answers to the attacking blue wave of the Bulls, the game against the Waratahs must have been a career ending game. The Waratahs scored 11 tries against the Kings 1 to bring the final score to 72 - 10.

The Kings entered the game against the Highlanders with an extremely disappointing lose against the Waratahs and the Highlanders entered the game with some confidence after winning their first game against the Sharks at home a week before. Who would you put your money on?

From the very first ruck you could see this was a different Kings outfit, the same players but they looked more focused and more determined then a week ago. They were playing in the Highlanders faces and showed no respect. The Highlanders probably played like a team at the bottom end of the competition, standing back and waiting for the Kings to do the playing and being happy with just defending.

It was a very entertaining match for the 19 459 spectators at the Nelson Mandela Stadium and the Kings never disappointed their Kings Army. Scoring 4 tries and getting maximum points from the game to move one spot up on the log, now in 13th position. The Kings will enjoy a bye this weekend before turning their attention to their return match against the Cheetahs at home on the 25th of May.

As much as credit needs to go to Luke Watson for a true captains role in leading from the front and scoring two of his teams tries, praise must go to all 22 players. It takes a special team to pick themselves up from a 72 - 10 defeat and beat a seasoned Super Rugby team mixed with a few All Blacks and scoring 4 tries in the process.

"Failure is not getting knocked down. It is about not getting up" - Alan Solomon's after their lose against the Waratahs.

Final score: Southern Kings 34 Highlander 27


Thursday 9 May 2013

Experiencing Super Rugby

The Southern Kings are experiencing what Super Rugby is really about. The toughest matches week in and week out. Having to pick yourself up after a bad lose, dealing with that lose and still have to focus on the coming weeks game. Injuries to first choice players. All aspects of the game that makes Super Rugby the toughest you'll get.

The game against the Highlanders will be their 10th consecutive match before the Kings enjoy a well deserved break and some much needed recovery time before starting to focus on their return match against the Cheetahs on the 25th of May in Port Elizabeth. After the pounding they received from the Waratahs there's not much time for them to lick their wounds as they need to focus on the game against the Highlanders. The Highlanders, currently last on the over all log will be by no means an easy game as they got their first win and confidence back after beating the Sharks last week and will be looking to make it two in a row when they face the Kings on Saturday.

As with all other teams the Kings have had their share of injuries over the season. Losing their captain Luke Watson in the first match of the tournament. First choice fullback SP Marais getting injured against the Chiefs. Speedster Sergeal Petersen missed two matches against the Bulls and Cheetahs and had to leave the field against the Waratahs. Petersen will be out for 3 to 4 weeks while recovering from a grade 2 tear to his hamstring. Jacques "Vleis" Engelbrecht who burst onto the Super Rugby scene when he replaced Watson in that first game will also have to sit out against the Highlanders after injuring his ankle last week.

Watson has since recovered from his injury and has mainly started from the bench, but will be taking over from Engelbrecht and will also lead his team out on Saturday. Cornell du Preez will move to no 8 with Wimpie van der Walt moving to no 6 and Watson at 7. SP Marais has also recovered from his injury and will be on the bench, replacing Siviwe Soyizwapi. Daniel Adongo will also return to the bench after some solid performances for the Vodacom Cup side. Devin Oosthuizen and Shane Gates will also take up their place on the bench after some good outings for the EP Kings. Gates could get his first run in a Southern Kings jersey as he replaces Waylon Murray on the bench.

Other chances to the starting line up sees David Bulbring replacing Rynier Bernardo at no 5 and Marcello Sampson replacing Sergeal Petersen on the left wing.

The match will be played at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Port Elizabeth on Saturday and kick off will be at 17:05.

Southern Kings:

15 ​George Whitehead 14 Siyanda Grey 13 ​Ronnie Cooke 12 ​Andries Strauss (VC) 11 Marcello Sampson 10 ​Demetri Catrakilis 9 ​Shaun Venter 8 Cornell du Preez 7 Luke Watson (C) 6 Wimpie van der Walt 5 David Bulbring 4 Steven Sykes 3 Kevin Buys 2 Bandise Maku 1 Schalk Ferreira

Replacements:

16 ​Virgile Lacombe 17 Grant Kemp 18 Daniel Adongo 19 ​Devin Oosthuizen 20 ​Nicolas Vergallo 21 ​Shane Gates 22 ​SP Marais

Monday 6 May 2013

A true test of character to follow

The Waratahs took full advantage of a tired Southern Kings team when they played their round 12 match at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium this past Saturday. The Waratahs out played the Kings in every area of the game and scored 11 tries in the process.

The Kings have struggled to get their momentum back after a very successful first tour abroad, which included a draw against the Brumbies and a win over the Rebels. Their first game back at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium was a sell out against the Bulls but the Kings failed to score a single point with the final score, 34 - 0. The following weekend they had a tough match against the Cheetahs in Bloem. The Kings defense were much better and they prevented the Cheetahs from scoring four tries, coming within 14 points. Final score after the 80 minutes, 26 - 12.

A positive note for the Kings was that Sergeal Petersen would make his return against the Waratahs after missing the two matches against the Bulls and the Cheetahs. He unfortunately offered nothing on defense, out of 6 attempts 2 were ineffective and 4 missed, but he did however gain 100m with ball in hand with 2 line breaks and scored the only try for his team. Petersen who were included in the SA u20 squad suffered a grade two tear to his right hamstring during the match and is expected to be out for three to four weeks.

Jacques Engelbrecht who's been a real warrior for the Kings since taking over from Luke Watson had to leave the field after a bad sprain to his ankle in the 49th minute. The x-rays to his right ankle came back clear, but Engelbrecht will need to rest the ankle and will not be available for their next match against the Highlanders.

One positive from the game could be that Luke Watson is looking more like the player he was before a throat injury kept him out for the first part of the season. From his 12 carries he gained 92 meters, 1 line break and 3 off loads. He missed 3 from 10 tackles and added his weight to 7 ruck and mauls. With the unfortunate injury to Engelbrecht it could allow Watson to make that no 8 jersey his own again when they face the Highlanders in Port Elizabeth this coming weekend.

The challenge for the Kings will be to pick themselves up from this and dig deep for that character and defense that was so evident against teams like the Force, Sharks, Brumbies and Rebels.

"Failure is not getting knocked down. It is about not getting up". Allan Solomons

Thursday 2 May 2013

Strong EP Kings side to face Blue Bulls

The EP Kings will have a number of big names in their starting line up when they face the Blue Bulls in the Vodacom Cup quarter finals in Pretoria this weekend.

In the backline Marcello Sampson who has been a member of the Southern Kings Super Rugby squad since the start of the season will partner with the experienced Michael Killian on the wing. Killian who broke his arm during pre season had his first run in a Southern Kings jersey last week against the Cheetahs. Wayne Stevens will combine with Tiger Mangweni in the midfield and Scott van Breda will move back to fullback.

Among the forwards Stefan Willemse comes in for Darron Nell who is still suffering with a calf injury. Willemse will partner with another experienced player in Daniel Adongo. Devin Oosthuizen and Tomas Leonardi who both featured for the Southern Kings this year will pack on the side of the scrum.

Kick off will be 16:30 with a repeat of the game on SS1 at 21:30.

EP Kings:

15 ​Scott van Breda 14 Michael Killian 13 Wayne Stevens 12 Tiger Mangweni (C) 11 Marcello Sampson 10 ​Shane Gates 9 ​Scott Mathie 8 Paul Schoeman 7 Tomas Leonardi 6 Devin Oosthuizen 5 Daniel Adongo 4 Stefan Willemse 3 Charl du Plessis 2 Hannes Franklin (VC) 1 Lizo Gqoboka

Replacements:

16 ​Boetie Britz 17 ​Ross Geldenhuys 18 ​Samora Fihlani 19 Dalton Davis 20 ​Mpho Mbiyozo 21 ​Wesley Dunlop 22 ​Kayle van Zyl