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