Saturday 28 September 2013

EP Kings u19 to face the Limpopo Blue Bulls

The Eastern Province Kings u19s will go into their match against Limpopo Blue Bulls on the back of a 3 match losing streak. Ryan Felix’s men lost narrowly to the table topping Valke u19s by 41 point to 39 last week. The Kings currently lie 4th on the table with Valke the clear no.1 side with 34 points followed by Boland and SWD in 2nd and 3rd position respectively. 


The men from Port Elizabeth are still in a semi-final spot and will need to win today to end 3rd on the log. The Limpopo men are 2nd from the bottom and would need to win by a considerable margin and deny the Kings a bonus point in order to qualify for the play-offs. The team has a few changes this week with a 1 promotion to the u21 side and a couple of injuries.

 

The front row is unchanged from last week as David Murray continues at loosehead prop, the St Andrew’s scholar enjoyed a good game last week in the 41-39 loss and he gets another opportunity to impress in the no.1 jersey. JP Jamieson will continue in the hooking berth while captain of the side Matthew Moore will start at tighthead. The 2nd row is also unchanged with Gerrit Huisamen and Stefan Ebersohn continuing to grow as a combination. While the same tight 5 is retained, there is 1 change in the loose forwards, the robust Grey schoolboy Bathandwa Cafu comes in at no.6 to assume that openside role vacated by Kevin Kaba (promoted to u21s). The big man made his debut off the bench last week and I have no doubt he will be looking forward to his 1st start at this level. Tyler will continue on the blindside flank and providing an extra lineout option in the back row. Erwin Slabbert remains the only member of the back row who’s been starting the entire campaign and will once again run out in the no.8 jersey.

 

The backline has a few injury enforced changes, with Francois Nel back in the no.9 jersey, he replaces Alex Banfield who played at flyhalf last week. Alex Banfield is sick this week and will sit out this game. Jason Baggott, last week’s starting scrumhalf, shifts 1 out to assume the pivot mantle; as the St Andrew’s scrumhalf is capable of slotting in at flyhalfJuandre Fourie is on the left wing again this week, with his power and pace; they’ll look to get the ball to him as often as possible. Luan Niewoudt gets another opportunity at 12 after having a good debut last week, however his fellow schoolboy centre partner Selvyn Davids (another impressive debutant last week) is out with a knock to his knee. Sherwin Slater slots into the no.13 jersey in Selvyn’s absence. Luca Dalla-Vecchia comes onto the right wing for Khanya Mzilikazi as he is also out with an injury, Luca made his debut for the u19 side in round 3 off the bench and will get his 1st starting opportunity. The safe, reliable and composed figure of Khaya Malotana in the no.15 jersey will be prominent yet again this week, another player who’s been a constant in the back 3 the entire campaign.

 

There are a few changes on the bench, with a few players promoted to the run on side, a few bench spots were vacant, JH Schmitt will deputise for JP at hooker on the bench. Similile Qinela also covers looseheadSokhana Mpemba is back in the 23 man squad and will look to bring a lot of grunt in the tight-loose exchanges as the game opens up in the 2nd half. Dewald Meyer who celebrated his 19th birthday earlier this week will also look to make an impact later on in the game. Roger Louis is back in the 23 as he covers scrumhalf from the bench. Francois van der Walt comes into the 22 jersey for Slater who starts at 13 while the nimble footed Wayburn Howley comes back into the 23 for  the 1st time since round one. Big tighthead prop Divan Nell rounds up the bench for the u19s.

 

I cornered Captain Matthew Moore for a quick word ahead of the game, the big tighthead said, “Captain’s went well yesterday, it’s going to be a big one, they have a big pack of forwards, but I have no doubt that we can match them up front. Our backs are very good and any good ball they get, I know they work well with.” He went on to add a few inspirational words, “Everything’s going to start in front, we must make the 1st big hits and not allow them to do it 1st, I believe in every player in the team. We can win the 1st Division u19 Currie Cup!”

 

Good luck to Ryan, Rory and the boys as they take on this tough away fixture, the match will be played at Grobersdal at 2pm

 

EP Kings u19: 

15: Khaya Malotana (Queen’s College)

14: Luca Dalla-Vecchia (Grey High School, PE)

13: Sherwin Slater (Andrew Rabie High School)

12: Luan Niewoudt (Nico Malan)

11: Juandre Fourie (Marlow Landbou)

10: Jason Baggott (St Andrew’s College)

09: Francois Nel (Daniel Pienaar)

08: Erwin Slabbert (Framesby High School)

07: Tyler Paul (St Andrew’s College)

06: Bathandwa Cafu (Grey High School, PE)

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: David Murray (St Andrew’s College)


Reserves:

 16: John Henry Schmitt (Oudtshoorn High School)

17: Similile Qinela (Selborne College

18: Sokhana Mpemba (Queen’s College)

19: Dewald Meyer (Otto du Plessis)

20: Roger Louis (Cillie High School)

21: Wayburn Howley (Despatch)

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

23: Divan Nell (Otto du Plessis)  

 

HEAD COACH: Ryan Felix

ASSISTANT COACH: Rory Duncan


Ludumo Nkabi - follow on twitter @ludz19







EP Kings u21 to face Limpopo Blue Bulls

The Eastern Province u21 side continued their rampant form last week at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium when they demolished the Valke u21 side by a huge margin, final score being 87-17. This team has a great balance in that it has a monstrous forward pack and has an amazing backline with an array of skills in their arsenal. 


The men from Port Elizabeth still top the log with 30 points and the only potential threat to their no.1 spot is posed by their opposition this weekend, the Limpopo Blue Bulls u21 side. The men from Polokwane currently lie in 2nd with 26 points and have been in good form, the Kings will have to dig deep to come away with the result away from home. 


Robbi Kempson named a side with very few changes for the final fixture against Limpopo this coming week ahead of the play-offs, opting for consistency for the most part.

 

The front row is bolstered by the return of former Nico Malan scholar Brendan Olivier who will run on for his 1st start for Robbi Kempson’s side this season. The big loosehead has had an impressive season thus far for the senior Kings side and will start in his favoured position of looseheadVukile Sofisa moves across from loosehead to tighthead for Pieter Stemmet, Dane will captain the side from hooker once again. 


There is 1 more change in the tight 5, 19 year old lock/loose forward Kevin Kaba come into the no.5 jersey, a jersey he wore with aplomb in the 1st 2 games of the season before he went down to u19s again where he’s played mostly loose forward. The explosive lock will look to add a new dynamic with his mobility, aggressive ball carrying and lineout potency. Kuhle Sonkosi continues to be the model for consistency as he continues in no.4 enforcer role. There is one change in the loose forwards with Wayvern Smith out this week, Claude Tshibidi shifts from the engine room in the tight 5 to the side of the scrum at blindside flanker, Siphesihle Punguzwa continues at openside, likewise Aidon Davis is at no.8 where he’s been the whole season.

 

Ivan Ludick and Ruan Allerston will line up as the halfback combination for the 3rd consecutive match in good continuity by the coaches. Ofentse Boloko comes in on the left wing this for his 1st start since the 2nd round fixture against the Griffons where he went off injured, with Sphumelele Msutwana making way for him. The rock of the backline, the man who brings calmness, experience and leadership, Shane Gates, who celebrated his 21st birthday yesterday is at inside centre. The only other change in the backline is Marlou van Niekerk’s return; the outside centre comes in for Ace Jho after sitting out last week’s game with a concussion. Eben Barnard and Shakes Soyizwapi remain the only 2 backline players to have started all the games this season with Eben on the right wing and Shakes at fullback.

 

Yakha Qinela continues to deputise at hooker for Dane from the bench, while Pieter Stemmet drops to the bench this week and will cover the props. Brendan Hector covers lock from the bench and Sinethemba Ndita covers the loose forwards. The man known as Magic also continues to deputise for IvanLudick. Ace Jho will cover centre and Gavin Hauptfleisch who can slot in at fullback or flyhalf cover both positions from the bench.

 

New lock, Kevin Kaba was quite upbeat and in good spirits as he gave me his thoughts ahead of the game, “It’s been a good week of preparations. The guys have been focused and hard at work” “It will be tough out there, but we have done enough on the practice field to take us over the line.”  

 

Good luck to Robbie, Stick and all the men ahead of this very tough encounter away from home. The match kicks off at 4pm.


EP Kings u21: 

15: Siviwe Soyizwapi (Dale College)

14: Eben Barnard (Brandwag)

13: Marlou van Niekerk (Marlow Landbou)

12: Shane Gates (Muir College)

11: Ofentse Boloko (Selborne College)

10: Ruan Allerston (Port Natal)

09: Ivan Ludick (Oakdale Landbou)

08: Aidon Davis (Daniel Pienaar)

07: Claude Tshibidi (Potch Boys’ High School)

06: Siphesihle Punguzwa (Selborne College)

05: Kevin Kaba (Queen’s College)

04: Kuhle Sonkosi (Westering High School)

03: Vukile Sofisa (Grey High School, PE)

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

01: Brendan Olivier (Nico Malan)

 

Rerserves:

16: Yakha Qinela (Selborne College)

17: Pieter Stemmet (Paul Roos Gymnasium)

18: Brendan Hector (Union High School)

19: Sinethemba Ndita (Nico Malan)

20: Sonwabo Majola (Muir College)

21: Gavin Hauptfleisch (Boishaai)

22: Andile Jho (Dale College)

 

HEAD COACH: Robbie Kempson

ASSISTANT COACH: Mzwandile Stick

 

Ludumo Nkabi - follow on twitter @ludz19

Wednesday 25 September 2013

Nell and Cooke back to face Bulldogs

The EP Kings have made a few changes to their side ahead of their final game against the Border Bulldogs, at the Buffallo City Stadium in East London on Friday evening. The Kings who beat the Valke 30 - 23 in Port Elizabeth last week will face a confident Border side after their surprising 26 - 22 win against the 3rd placed Leopards in Potchefstroom last week.

The Bulldogs have been impressive towards the end of their season, despite losing to the Griffons 24 - 19 in Welkom, they have managed wins over Leopards, Valke and Boland in their last four games. 

The Kings will make it very difficult for the Bulldogs after announcing their strongest possible squad for their final match before the play-offs. Darron Nell will return to captain the side with Siyabonga Mangweni taking over the vice captaincy role from Steven Sykes. Ronnie Cooke returns to the midfield while Mpho Mbiyozo returns to the loose trio and Charl du Plessis to the side of the scrum.

Speaking about the game on Friday, Head Coach, David Maidza said the team would be looking at improving their performance from the game against the Valke, which had not been the team’s best performance, especially at the set piece.

“We are very happy to have some of the more senior players such as Darron and Ronnie returning to the team, and with them the experience and calmness they bring to the team,” he said.

Maidza said he was expecting a tough encounter in East London on Friday.

“The Bulldogs have definitely improved from the team they were two years ago, and have been playing very good rugby as the season has gone on. They have improved on their defence and have also reduced their error rate significantly, especially with ball in hand,” he said.

Nell, who said he was excited to be back after missing out a few games due to injury, said he was expecting a tough game that would be decided in the last 20 minutes, with the pack that worked the hardest securing the game.

“They have a very good kicking game and it will be a tough scrape in the first 60 minutes, they’re also very aggressive at the breakdown, but we have had a good two days at training and we’re confident,” he said.

In their last game at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium the Kings had a narrow 9 - 6 win, but with only one game left before the play-offs they will definitely look to fire on all cylinders. 

Kick off will be at 3pm.

EP Kings:
15 Scott van Breda 14 Michael Killian 13 Ronnie Cooke 12 Siyabonga Mangweni (VC) 11 Brian Skosana 10 George Whitehead 9 Dwayne Kelly 8 Tim Agaba 7 Mpho Mbiyozo 6 Devin Oosthuizen 5 Darron Nell (C) 4 Steven Sykes 3 Charl du Plessis 2 Albe de Swardt 1 Lizo Gqoboka

Reserves:
16 Boetie Britz 17 Ross Geldenhuys 18 Wayne van Heerden 19 Thabo Mamojele 20 Kayle van Zyl 21 Ntabeni Dukisa 22 Wayne Stevens

Friday 20 September 2013

Mangweni seals the win for Kings

A late try by EP Kings centre and captain Siyabonga Mangweni gave the Kings a 30 - 23 win over the Valke at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Port Elizabeth last night.  Poor discipline and set pieces cost the Kings from scoring a four try bonus point, as they failed on numerous occasions to secure attacking line out ball close to the try line.

Two first have tries by flanker Stefan Willemse and the accurate boot of Scott van Breda gave the Kings an early 14 - 3 lead, but after a Steven Sykes yellow card 10 minutes to half time allowed the Valke to score 17 points. The Kings had an opportunity to take the lead just before half time but George Whitehead was unable to hold onto the ball as he stretched for the line. The Valke went into the break leading 20 - 17.

The Kings and Valke exchanged early penalties after the break, with the Kings having more opportunities but were unable to convert them into points. The Kings had a poor night with their line outs, with numerous try scoring opportunities gone begging. Kings no8, Tim Agaba, was one of the stand out players for the Kings with storming runs down the mid field and getting close to scoring on occasions. It was eventually left to the captain to score the winning try, as Mangweni sliced through the Valke backline to dot down a five pointer under the post, van Breda converted and the Kings took a 27 - 23 lead. Van Breda kicked a final penalty to bring the full time score to 30 - 23.

The win against the Valke stretched the gap between the Kings and 3rd place Leopards by 7 points, after the Leopards lost earlier against the Border Bulldogs at home. Tomorrow sees the Pumas taking on Boland and Griffons playing SWD at home.

Scorers:
EP Kings - Tries: Stefan Willemse (2), Tiger Mangweni; Conversions: Scott van Breda (3); Penalties: Scott van Breda (3)

Valke - Tries: Sandile Ngcobo, Jaco Oosthuizen; Conversions: Kyle Hendricks (2); Penalties: Kyle Hendricks (3)




Thursday 19 September 2013

Kings u 21 to face Valke

Robbie Kempson’s men continued their strong surge to promotion with yet another good performance against Boland u21 in Wellington. The Kings score line of 31-17 might not have reflected the manner in which they have destroyed some of the opposition they have faced thus far. It is tough to play in Wellington and the Boland boys were contesting the top spot on the log. The Eastern Province men currently top the log with 25 points, with the Limpopo Blue Bulls hot on their trail with the men from Limpopo just 4 log points off the pace. 


The Kings have opted for consistency with minimal changes and almost all the changes injury enforced. The front row that did duty last week will be given the go ahead again for tomorrow’s game, Vukile Sofisa at loosehead with inspirational captain Dane van der Westhuyzen at hooker. The burly tighthead prop Pieter Stemmet will wear the no.3 jersey. The lock combination is also unchanged with Claude Tshidibi in the no.5 jersey and Kuhle Sonkosi assuming the enforcer role in the no.4 jersey. Siphesihle Punguzwa continues in his familiar openside role, while the only change in the pack is that of Wayvern Smith coming in at 7 for the robust Stefan Zaayman who is injured. Aidon Davis retains his spot at the back of the scrum.

 

The backline also has minimal changes, with Oakdale boy Ivan Ludick retaining the no.9 jersey. Zorba Allerston will run at pivot again for the 2nd week in a row and Eben Barnard is in the no.11 jersey that he’s played in the whole season. The experienced Shane Gates slots into inside centre and will resume his centre partnership with the elusive Ace Jho. Jho comes in for Marlou van Niekerk at 13 who had a concussion last week. Sphu Msutwana slots in on the right wing for Aya Dlepu who has been impressive ever since he got his opportunity. Msutwana will relish getting his 1st start for the Kings and will look to put in a polished performance. Shakes Soyizwapi is the man in the last line of defence, reliable as always, it’s his attacking prowess that makes people sit up and take notice.

 

The bench has a few new faces, Yakha Qinela comes onto the bench as reserve hooker, while the big, mobile and skilful Marzuq Maarman comes in as reserve prop for Brendan Olivier who has moved up to the senior side. Brendan Hector is in the reserve lock spot for Kevin Kaba who has moved back to the u19s. Sinethemba Ndita is the reserve loose forward with Wayvern Smith promoted to the starting XVSonwabo Majola retains his no.20 jersey likewise Gavin Hauptfleisch in the no.22 jersey and Lonwabo Ntleki is on bench in place of Jho

 

Good luck to the Kings men, it is very important that they keep the momentum going and don’t lose. Good luck to Kempo and his men.


EP Kings u21: 

15: Siviwe Soyizwapi (Dale College)

14: Siphumelele Msutwana (Dale College)

13: Andile Jho (Dale College)

12: Shane Gates (Muir College)

11: Eben Barnard (Brandwag)

10: Ruan Allerston (Port Natal)

09: Ivan Ludick (Oakdale High School)

08: Aidon Davis (Daniel Pienaar)

07: Wayvern Smith (Brandwag)

06: Siphesihle Punguzwa (Selborne College)

05: Claude Tshidibi (Potch Boys’ 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: Yakha Qinela (Selborne College)

17: Marzuq Maarman (Muir College)

18: Brendan Hector (Union High School)

19: Sinethemba Ndita (Nico Malan)

20: Sonwabo Majola (Muir College)

21: Lonwabo Ntleki (KES)

22: Gavin Hauptfleisch (Boishaai)


HEAD COACH: Robbie Kempson

ASSISTANT COACH: Mzwandile Stick  


Ludumo Nkabi - follow on twitter @ludz19

 

 

Kings u19 to get campaign back on track

Ryan Felix’s men will go into this game with a bit of pressure following two losses in the past two weeks that have threatened to derail their campaign. The boys who suffered a shock loss to SWD two weeks ago at home traveled to the Western Cape to take on the Boland u19 last week. They lost narrowly by 26-24 to the home team, but the Kings juniors were able to secure 2 bonus points for finish within 7 points and scored 4 tries on the day. 


The Eastern Province men currently sit 3rd on the log with 17 points, 8 behind the leaders the Valke, who they take on tomorrow at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium. The coaches made a number of changes to the starting XV and on the bench for the clash against the Valke, with plenty of schoolboys coming back into the mix after the completion of matric preliminary exams.

 

The consistency with the props in the front row continues with Lyle Lombaard and Matthew Moore again entrusted with the no.1 and no.3 jerseys respectively. The big tighthead prop Moore continues in his role as captain of the side. The only change in the front row is the return of JP Jamieson who played hooker in the 1st 2 rounds of the u19 competition, he takes up the hooker role for Eastern Province. 


The 2nd row of the 1st 2 rounds is reunited as Gerrit Huisamen joins Stefan Ebersohn as he comes into the no.5 jersey. Kevin Kaba who featured off the bench for u21s last week is back with the u19 side, the versatile forward slots into the openside flank berth having played mainly at lock and 8th man over the past few weeks. Tyler Paul moves from lock and slots in on the blindside flank, the towering lad has been impressive ever since he got the call to play for u19s. Erwin Slabbert completes the loose trio, the Framesby boy will be in his usual role at 8th man.

 

The backline also has a few changes with St Andrew’s College scrumhalf Jason Baggott making his debut for the u19 side. Alex Banfield shift from inside centre to pivot, a position he’s comfortable playing having played plenty of his schoolboy rugby in the flyhalf role. 


The centre combination includes two debutants, both Luan Niewoudt and Selvyn Davids are Nico Malan boys and both have played this entire season as the centres for their school. These boys do not only boast great experience (both have played at Craven Week twice), they also bring some great qualities, the poetry in motion that is Selvyn Davids will ask plenty questions of the defence with his skill, pace, vision and feet. Luan offers quality in his distribution, running ability and brutal defence. Their knowledge of each other’s games will make it difficult for the Valke to keep them in check. 


Powerful winger Khanya Mzilikazi comes back on the right wing replacing Kuhle Mbiko who drops out of the 23 man squad. Khaya Malotana and Juandre Fourie retain their position from last week with Juandre on the left wing and Khaya at fullback.

 

John Henry Schmitt who makes way for JP Jamieson will cover hooker from the bench, he isn’t the only starter from last week to drop to bench this week. All of the back replacements are starters from last week’s game, the scrumhalf cover is Francios Nel who scored 2 tries last week. Warren Swartz covers flyhalf from the bench, Sherwin Slater covering the outside backs and outside centre.  The other change is Bathandwa Cafu, yet another who is on debut and is yet another man from the Port Elizabeth rugby nursery that is Grey High School. 


The last change on the bench is the return of the big front rower from Otto du Plessis, Divan Nell. Divan Nell is the 3rd Otto du Plessis boy in the side with the modest Eastern Province school contingent growing by 1. Divi, as he is better known by his mates was on the bench for the 1st 3 games before missing out on the last 2 games.

 

I managed to corner Divi for a quick word after their captain run, “We had a good week and we are all well prepared, we are also sure that we’ve ticked all our boxes. The team spirit is high and we have good depth even on the bench, guys like myself, Dewald, Sherwin, Warren, Smiley etc

 

The boys will be looking to rectify their mistakes from the last 2 weeks, best of luck to all the men involved.


EP KINGS u19: 

15: Khaya Malotana (Queen’s College)

14: Khanya Mzilikazi (Queen’s College)

13: Selvyn Davids (Nico Malan)

12: Luan Niewoudt (Nico Malan)

11Juandre Fourie (Marlow Landbou)

10: Alex Banfield (Grey High School, PE)

09: Jason Baggott (St Andrew’s College)

08: Erwin Slabbert (Framesby High School)

07: Tyler Paul (St Andrew’s College)

06: Kevin Kaba (Queen’s College)

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: John Henry Schmitt (Oudtshoorn High School)

17: Similile Qinela (Selborne College)

18: Bathandwa Cafu (Grey High School, PE)

19: Dewald Meyer (Otto du Plessis)

20: Francois Nel (Daniel Pienaar)

21: Warren Swartz (Stirling High School)

22: Sherwin Slater (Andrew Rabie High School)

23: Divan Nell (Otto du Plessis)

 

HEAD COACH: Ryan Felix

ASSISTANT COACH: Rory Duncan


Ludumo Nkabi - follow on twitter @ludz19

Wednesday 18 September 2013

Du Preez to further his career in Scotland

EPRU President, Cheeky Watson this afternoon confirmed that EP Rugby player, Cornell du Preez has been released from his contract with immediate effect, to sign with Edinburgh Rugby in Scotland.

“Du Preez had already committed to play for Edinburgh Rugby from the 1st of November, when his contract with EP Kings expired, but an agreement has been reached between ourselves and their club management for his early release,” he said.

Watson said he was excited that Du Preez had been given this opportunityand wished him everything of the best as he furthered his rugby career.  

“There is no doubt that Cornell was one of the rugby stalwarts during the Southern Kings campaign and has continued to play superb rugby for us during the Currie Cup First Division. We wish him everything of the best,” he said.

Watson said he knew that Du Preez aspired to build towards playing for Scotland, and did not feel that he would be given the opportunity to play for the Springboks, because of the current depth of loose forwards, if he remained in South Africa.

“This is a great opportunity for him and it would not be right for us to stand in his way,” he said.

Since joining in November 2011, du Preez has scored 11 tries in 23 apperances for the EP and Southern Kings. 

With Du Preez' departure Devin Oosthuizen moves into the starting XV, Tim Agaba moves to no 8 and Kuselo Moyake comes into the match day 22 on the bench.

EP Kings to face Valke

The Kings will look to continue with their winning ways when they face the bottom of the log Valke at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Port Elizabeth on Friday night. As the 1st Division enters the tail end of the competition, the Kings have two matches remaining, facing the Valke at home before traveling to East London to face Border in their final fixture next week.


The Kings have made a few changes to their starting line up, after their convincing 40 - 19 win against Boland this past Friday. 


In the back line the two wings Michael Killian and Brian Skosana are swopping jerseys with Kayle van Zyl moving up from the bench to start at no 9. Nicolas Vergallo falls out of the match day 22 with Dwayne Kelly replacing him on the bench.


Amongst the forwards Lizo Gqoboka and Devin Oosthuizen moves to the bench with Bendon Olivier and Tim Agaba taking over the starting positions. Ross Geldenhuys is taking over from Charl du Plessis and Hannes Franklin replaces Boetie Britz on the bench.


EP Kings:

15 Scott van Breda 14 Michael Killian 13 Wayne Stevens 12 Siyabonga Mangweni (C) 11 Brian Skosana 10 George Whitehead 9 Kayle van Zyl 8  Cornell du Preez 7 Tim Agaba 6 Stefan Willemse 5 Wayne van Heerden 4 Steven Sykes (VC) 3 Ross Geldenhuys 2 Albe de Swardt 1 Brenden Olivier


Substitutes:

16 Hannes Franklin 17 Lizo Gqoboka 18 Thabo Mamojele 19 Devin Oosthuizen 20 Dwayne Kelly 21  Ntabeni Dukisa 22 Marcello Sampson

Tuesday 17 September 2013

Kings gaining momentum

After a slow start to the first leg of the ABSA Currie Cup 1st Division, the EP Kings have build up some good momentum as the competition is heading into its last two  rounds.

The Kings have been unbeaten in their last four games, with only the Pumas being able to beat them at the start of the second leg. A last minute try sealed a one point victory for the log leaders, but since that game in Nelspruit the Kings have scored 162 points and conceded only 61 in their last four games.

This past Friday the Kings recorded a well deserved 40 - 19 win against Boland in Wellington. The Kings picked up a bonus point for scored 6 tries, which included a penalty try. With this victory the Kings opened up a 5 point gap between them and third placed Leopards.

Currie Cup head coach, David Maidza said he was very proud of the team, who had set the pace of the game from the get go and had finished the first half with a 19 – 0 lead.

“I was very happy with the performance, especially with the players’ defence, which was the mainstay of the game,” he said.

Maidza said the players defence had completely shut out the Boland team.

“We also stepped up on the fundamentals, and saw dramatic improvements in our scrums and in the lineouts,” he said.

Maidza also commended the players on the breakdowns and their ability to gain turnover ball, but criticised the fact that the players had not been able to keep the momentum for the full 80 minutes of the game.

“It was a pleasing game to watch, but we need to work on maintaining momentum,” he said.

The four main contenders for play-offs are the unbeaten Pumas on 56 points with 12 wins. The Kings in second on 42 with 8 from 12, the Leopards on 37 with 7 wins and the Eagles on 36 with 6 from 12 wins.

Scorers:
Boland Cavaliers – 19: Tries: Jason Kriel (2), Ulrich Pretorius; Conversions: Eric Zana (2)
EP Kings – 40: Tries: Michael Killian, Brian Skosana, Penalty try, Stefan Willemse, Steven Sykes, Cornell du Preez; Conversions: Scott van Breda (2); George Whitehead (3).

Friday 6 September 2013

Kings jump to second on the log

The EP Kings managed to beat the SWD Eagles 15 - 9 at the Nelson Mandela Stadium in Port Elizabeth. The game was over shadowed by aimless kicking down field as both sides tried to find their momentum and settle the nerves. SWD looked much better on attack as the Kings opted to kick and play a teritorial game, but struggled with their set pieces, especially their line outs.

Kings fullback, Scott van Breda, kicked two first half penalties and took a 6 - 0 lead half way through the first 40 minutes. SWD looked good on attack but were unable to pierce the Kings defense, with poor handling being their biggest enemy. They did however kick a penalty through fullback Justin van Staaden just on half time to go into the break trailing 6 - 3. 

Five minutes into the second half van Staanden equalised through a drop goal. A few minutes later he had an opportunity to put his team in the lead but was unable to slot a 50 meter penalty kick. With the scores at 6 all, Kings had an opportunity to take the lead but decided to go for touch. Kings hooker, Hannes Franklins nightmare continued with another poor throw as the Kings wasted an opportunaty to take 3 points on offer.

Van Breda managed to add three more penalties in the last quarter of the game, and van Staanden adding 3 more points to secure the losing bonus point for the Eagles to bring the final score to 15 - 9. With this victory the Kings move to second place on the log and with a Pumas victory over the Leopards possibly securing a home semi final.   

Wednesday 4 September 2013

Kings to face Eagles

The EP Kings are set to face the SWD Eagles at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Port Elizabeth on Friday night. The Kings had a convincing 44 - 26 win over the Leopards a week ago in Potchefstroom,  picking up a bonus point in the process. The victory allowed the Kings to move to third place on the log one point less than second placed Eagles.

EP Kings head coach, David Maidza, said the only change to the starting line up from last week was that of Darron Nell, who was being rested following a slight niggle with his ankle.

“Thabo Mamojele comes up from the bench to take Nell’s place, while Siyabonga “Tiger” Mangweni takes over the captaincy,” said Maidza.

“Thabo has really been doing well as a substitute and has been playing well the whole season,” said Maidza.

Maidza said Wayne van Heerden would come up to the bench for Mamojele, while Kayle van Zyl would come up to the bench in place of Dwayne Kelly, as part of normal squad rotation.

Matches between these two sides are always close encounters, with the Kings edging the first leg in George 35 - 34 with 2 minutes to go.

“We know it is going to be a tough game, they always bring their A game and I doubt that that will change this weekend,” he said.

Maidza said that while the SWD Eagles did tend to leak tries, they were a competent side and strong on attack.

“We have looked at various aspects of their game and will be looking to utilise the opportunities that are presented to us,” he said.

Mangweni said the team would also be focusing on maintaining discipline during the game.

“Discipline has been a key focus for us the past two weeks, with or without the ball, and the results have shown, and we are doing much better,” he said.

Mangweni said the team was motivated following their two consecutive wins, but the focus remained on the game ahead, rather than the possibility of securing a semi final.

“We are taking eachgame as it comes; we’re not looking at that yet. We must just do our best and deal with the game at hand,” he said.

With only a handful of games remaining before the play-offs, the Kings cant afford to slip up against the Eagles, as the Leopards (32 points) in 4th and Boland (28 points) in 5th are also still in the race for a home semi final.
  
EP Kings: 

15 Scott van Breda 14 Michael Killian 13 Wayne Stevens 12 Siyabonga Mangweni (C) 11 Marcello Sampson 10 George Whitehead 9 Nicolas Vergallo 8 Cornell du Preez 7 Tim Agaba 6 Devin Oosthuizen 5 Thabo Mamojele 4 Samora Fihlani 3 Charl du Plessis 2 Hannes Franklin (V/C) 1 Brenden Olivier

Replacements: 

16 Boetie Britz 17 Lizo Gqoboka 18 Wayne van Heerden 19 Stefan Willemse 20 Kayle van Zyl 21 Ntabeni Dukisa 22 Brian Skosana