Kings u21s in try-fest against Griffons

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

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

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

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

Kings u19s setting the pace

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

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

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

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

Griffons handed a Royal thumping

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

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

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

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

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

  

EP Kings u21 to face Griffons u21

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

EP Kings u21:

15: Siviwe Soyizwapi (Dale College)

14: Ofentse Boloko (Selborne College)

13: Lonwabo Ntleki (KES)

12: Andile Jho (C) (Dale College)

11: Eben Barnard (Brandwag)

10: Marlou van Niekerk (Marlow Landbou)

09: Sonwabo Majola (Muir College)

08: Aidon Davis (Daniel Pienaar)

07: Claude Tshidibi (Potch Boys’ High School)

06: Siphesihle Punguzwa (Selborne College)

05: Kevin Kaba (Queen’s College)

04: Kuhle Sonkosi  (Westering High School)

03: Enoch Mnyaka (Dale College)

02: Ruan Roberts (Daniel Pienaar)

01: Vukile Sofisa (Grey High School, PE)

 

RESERVES:

16. Yakha Qinela (Selborne College)

17 Pieter Stemmet (Paul Roos Gymnasium)

18: Stefan Zaayman (Framesby High School)

19: Wayvern Smith (Brandwag)

20: Bangi Kobese (Dale College)

21: Aya Dlepu (Hudson Park)

22: Juan Smit (Eldoraigne High School)

HEAD COACH: Robbie Kempson

ASSISTANT COACH: Mzwandile Stick        

Ludumo Nkabi

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Still a lot to play for

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

EP Kings u19 to face Griffons u19

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

EP KINGS u19:

15: Khaya Malotana (Queen’s College)

14: Phelo Mfini (Grey High School, PE)

13: Sherwin Slater (Andrew Rabie High School)

12: Juandre Fourie (Marlow Landbou)

11: Khanya Mzilikazi (Queen’s College)

10: Warren Swartz (Stirling High School)

09: Matthew Alborough (Grey High School, PE)

08: Erwin Slabbert (Framesby High School)

07: Sabelo Sam (Newton Technical High School)

06: John Henry Schmitt (Oudtshoorn High School)

05: Gerrit Huisamen (Grey High School, PE)

04: Stefan Ebersohn (Grey High School, PE)

03: Matthew Moore (Brandwag)

02: JP Jamieson (Grey High School, PE)

01: Lyle Lombaard (Otto du Plessis)

 

RESERVES:

16: Similile Qinela (Selborne College)

17: Divan Nell (PJ Olivier)

18: Pelser Hanekom (Daniel Pienaar)

19: Dewald Meyer (Otto du Plessis)

20: Francois Nel (Daniel Pienaar)

21: Mitchell Turner (Selborne College)

22: Siviwe Bisset (Grey High School, PE)

23: Luca Dallavecchia (Grey High School, PE)

 

HEAD COACH: Ryan Felix

ASSISTANT COACH: Rory Duncan

Ludumo Nkabi

 

 

 

 

EP Kings u19 to start their campaign against the Pumas

The youngest members of the Kings Academy, Eastern Province Kings u19s, will begin their campaign against the Pumas u19s in Nelspruit tomorrow. The u19s are often a very tricky proposition as you never have any continuity from the previous year. One never knows what to expect from a different group. We can only hope that this group can go all the way in the competition. Head Coach Ryan Felix named a strong side for the 1st game.

 

The team has a number of schoolboys from Grey High School PE, with 4 of the starting XV having represented their high school Grey just last week against Selborne College, namely Matthew Alborough, Gerrit Huisamen, Stefan Ebersohn and JP Jamieson. Young scrumhalf Matthew Alborough and lock Stefan Ebersohn have already represented Eastern Province at the u18 Craven Week this year. The Grey PE influence is further added with 2 former Grey PE 1st XV players in reserve back Siviwe Bisset and right wing Phelo Mfini.

Matthew Moore who will captain the u19 side is also a former Eastern Province Craven Week player, having been educated in Uitenhage at Hoerskool Brandwag, one of the Eastern Cape’s top rugby schools. The big ball carrying front rower will look to lead from the front. He’s also tasked with the big duty of anchoring the scrum, a duty he’s thrived in before for the province at school level. His fellow front rower at loosehead, Lyle Lombaard, brings a bit of experience as well having already played for the u19 side last year as an 18 year old.

The relatively less known John Henry Smit is a young openside flanker from South Western Districts, he’s a former Oudtshoorn High School pupil and is a prospect the Kings are very excited about. 

I in particular am looking forward to following the progress of Khanya Mzilikazi and Khaya Malotana who I’ve had the pleasure of watching over a number of years, perhaps a bit of a different prospect watching the man who used to be called “Chilli” at Queen’s on the wing. Mzilikazi was a small fiery hooker and flanker at Queen’s, I look forward to seeing how he does on the wing. Khaya Malotana was a fullback-wing-centre for Queen’s, blessed with tons of pace and rugby brain 2nd to none. His awareness makes him very dangerous and he’s a well-balanced runner which makes very him deceptive and a nightmare to defend against.

The Kings supporters would just like to wish the Kings u19s and their coaches Ryan and Rory all the best for their campaign as they seek to gain promotion. The Army is behind you.

 

EP Kings u19:

15: Khaya Malotana (Queen’s College)

14: Phelo Mfini (Grey High School, PE)

13: Sherwin Slater (Andrew Rabie High School)

12: Juandre Fourie (Marlow Landbou)

11: Khanya Mzilikazi (Queen’s College)

10: Warren Swartz (Stirling High School)

09: Matthew Alborough (Grey High School, PE)

08: Erwin Slabbert (Framesby High School)

07: Sabelo Sam (Newton Technical High School)

06: John Henry Smit (Oudtshoorn High School)

05: Gerrit Huisamen (Grey High School, PE)

04: Stefan Ebersohn (Grey High School, PE)

03: Matthew Moore (Brandwag)

02: JP Jamieson (Grey High School, PE)

01: Lyle Lombaard (Otto du Plessis)

 

Reserves:

16: Divan Nell (PJ Olivier)

17: Ruan de Jager (Framesby High School)

18: Pelser Hanekom (Daniel Pienaar)

19: Dewald Meyer (Otto du Plessis)

20: Roger Lewis (Cillie High School)

21: Mitchell Turner (Selborne College)

22: Siviwe Bisset (Grey High School, PE)

23: Wayburn Howley (Despatch High School)

 

HEAD COACH: Ryan Felix

ASSISTANT COACH: Rory Duncan

   

Ludumo Nkabi

New Springbok heroes to rise

When Heyneke Meyer took over the reigns from Peter De Villiers as Springbok coach in 2012, he told the media that he really wanted the Springboks to be the best team in the world and that they needed to improve in every game to reach that goal.

In Meyer’s first year as Springbok coach, he did not do much to change the formula thatwas handed over from De Villiers, which had in turn been passed on to De Villiers from World Cup Winning coach Jake White.

Many thought that the coaching role was given to Meyer four years too late as many of the players from the 2011 World Cup were at their prime and many of them had playedunder Meyer when he guided the Bulls to three Super Rugby titles in 2007, 2009 and 2010. A few core players from that time had since left South Africa to play overseas, and many doubted and even questioned Meyer's ability, when he wanted the likes of Fourie Du Preez, Bakkies Botha, Danie Rossouw and Victor Matfield to return to the Springbok set up. One can understand why Meyer wanted the pairing of Botha and Matfield back as those two had played a record 60 tests for the Springboks.

Meyer played out the 2012 season with players he knew and players that will get the job done, but surprised many at the start of the 2013 season when he selected some young blood. Meyer rewarded players for standing out during the Super Rugby season in his selection to face Italy, Scotland and Samoa in the June Incoming Test Series. Players like Willie Le Roux, JJ Engelbrecht, Jano Vermaak and Arno Botha were all given a start, with the likes of Trevor Nyakane, Siya Kolisi, Piet Van Zyl and Jan Serfontein playing off the bench. Lourens Adriaanse, Franco Van Der Merwe, Pieter Labuschagne, Louis Schreuder and Robert Ebersohn were also called up to the squad but were never used.

We've seen plenty of changes amongst the forwards, with some players retiring frominternational rugby and others sustaining lengthy injuries. Coenie Oosthuizen and Trevor Naykane were given some game time to show what they can offer if stalwarts Jannie duPlessis and Beast Mtawarira find themselves unavailable for international duty.

Adriaan Strauss was given the number two jersey to show Meyer that he's got a back up if first choice Bismarck du Plessis is out of action.

Unfortunately the introduction of young Sharks lock, Pieter-Steph du Toit - who could possibly form the next Botha and Matfield combination with Eben Etzebeth - had to wait a little longer, after injury ruled him out. He is definitely a prospect for the future.

Another player that's been invaluable to the Springbok set up is Francios Louw; with his strong physical presence and ball carrying ability, he’s gained many meters for the Springboks. Louw is not just a player that likes the limelight, waiting for stand off ball, he also gets his hands dirty and has managed to win a surfeit of turnover possession when it comes to the tackle situation. We have no shortage of talent among the loose forwards with the likes of Louw, Willem Alberts, Marcell Coetzee, Siya Kolisi and Arno Botha. If that is not enough we still have Pierre Spies, Ryan Kankowski and Duane Vermeulen to return to their former glory.

We have also seen some exciting play from some of the Cheetah back line players, namely Piet Van Zyl and the ever unpredictable Willie Le Roux. With a number of mid field players not available, it’s given an opportunity for players like JJ Engelbrecht and Jan Serfontein to show Meyer they are ready to take over from Jean De Villiers and Jacque Fourie when the time is right. Bryan Habana, one of the more senior players, has also regained some of his form that earned him three SA Rugby Player of the year awards. Habana partnered with Bjorn Basson on the wing in the absence of Lwazi Mvovo and JP Pietersen. Ever-present and always looking for an attacking opportunity, Willie Le Roux, took full advantage in the absence of fullback Zane Kirchner. Meyer might be playing horses for courses with these two and might call on the more experienced Kirchner when facing the All Blacks and Wallabies.

With all this talent coming through where does it leave players like Francios Hougaard, Pat Lambie, Elton Jantjies, Johan Goosen and Francios Steyn?

Whichever way you look at it, Heyneke Meyer is starting a new chapter in Springbok rugby, he's breaking away from the traditional mold of player selection in his quest to make the Springboks the best team in the world.

EP Kings u21s to start their campaign

The Eastern Province Kings u21 side will kick off their campaign tomorrow,  against the Pumas in Nelspruit. The Kings Academy juniors, who won last year’s u21 First Division Currie Cup, fell short in the promotion relegation game losing 21-15 to Border u21s in East London. They will aim to go one better this year with the biggest objective being promotion. The u21s coach Robbie Kempson named a strong side, 7 of whom were part of the squad who played in the promotion relegation last year.

 

A lot of the names will be familiar to Kings Supporters with many of the youngsters having been involved in the initial stages of the Currie Cup and four of which have Super Rugby experience. Former St Andrew’s boy Dane van der Westhuyzen will captain the side. He is an impressive hooker who at a very young age looks to be the complete package. He is a strong ball carrier and boasts of a great pedigree at set pieces, accurate lineout work and a good scrummager. His mobility will stand him in good stead as he looks to assert himself in his 2nd campaign with the u21s. 

Shane Gates is a name well known to the Kings faithful, it seems like he’s been around forever, yet he’s only 20 (turns 21 in September). As a seasoned campaigner in the junior structure, the backline will look to him for leadership and most certainly his game breaking ability. His centre partner Ace Jho needs no introduction if you follow your schoolboy rugby. The outside centre, a former Dale College 1st XV captain was a schoolboy sensation who played 4 years of 1st XV rugby at Dale and donned the SA Schools no.12 jersey for 2 consecutive years in 2009 and 2010. Another old Dalian in the side is the ever impressive Shakes Soyizwapi who boasts a handful of Super Rugby caps himself, he’ll look to launch those counter attacks from the back and punish any bad kicks using his pace and deceptive step.

The side also has a youthful feel to it with 3 of the men still eligible for u19 rugby. Sergeal Petersen and Aidon Davis were both part of the same Eastern Province Craven Week side last year, both went on to represent SA Schools and both signed to stay with the Kings after school. This year their journey has also been very similar, both young lads making their Super Rugby debuts for the Kings and both were selected for the SA u20 Baby Boks squad to go to France before Sergeal had to pull out with an injury. They now will both make their u21 debut in the same match. The 3rd u19 lad is young Kevin Kaba who will start in the no.5 jersey, the former Queen’s College deputy headboy is comfortable in both the 2nd and back rows. He played most of his rugby in his last year at school in the no.8 jersey. Unable to go to Craven Week last year due to Border’s ruling that a player signed to another union wouldn’t play for their Craven Week team, he’ll relish the chance to play provincial rugby again in the red and black hoops.

 

I caught up with Coach Robbie Kempson for a quick word before they boarded their flight on their way to Nelspruit. He had this to say, “We have quality talent in the Eastern Cape and the squad have bonded into a special unit together, and we’re looking forward to seeing them displaying their talents.”

All the best to the u21 team as they begin their big campaign in the pursuit of promotion to the u21 Currie Cup A division. The Kings Army is behind you.

EP Kings u21 team:

15 Siviwe Soyizwapi (Dale College) 

14 Sergeal Petersen (Grey High School, PE) 

13 Andile Jho (Dale College) 

12 Shane Gates (Muir College) 

11 Eben Barnard (Brandwag) 

10 Marlou van Niekerk (Marlow Landbou) 

09 Bangi Kobese (Dale College) 

08 Aidon Davis (Daniel Pienaar) 

07 Claude Tshidibi (Potch Boys’ High School) 

06 Siphesihle Punguzwa (Selborne College) 

05 Kevin Kaba (Queen’s College) 

04 Kuhle Sonkosi (Westering High School) 

03 Pieter Stemmet (Paul Roos Gymnasium) 

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

01 Marzuq Maarman (Muir College)

 

Reserves:

16 Ruan Roberts (Daniel Pienaar) 

17 Vukile Sofisa (Grey High School, PE) 

18 Sanwell Jacobs (John Walton High School) 

19 Wayvern Smith (Brandwag) 

20 Sonwabo Majola (Muir College) 

21 Ofentse Boloko (Selborne College) 

22 Lonwabo Ntleki (KES)

HEAD COACH: Robbie Kempson

ASSISTANT COACH: Mzwandile Stick    

Ludumo Nkabi  

Bitter sweet end

It was with great disappointment that we watched the Southern Kings bow out of Super Rugby with a victory against the Lions in front of a packed Ellis Park. Sadly the victory was not enough to secure the franchise from the Eastern Cape a place in Super Rugby in 2014. Looking back there were crucial moments that could’ve made a huge difference in the outcome, but it is of no consequence crying over spilt milk. It’s time for the Port Elizabeth based franchise to move forward.

 

The Southern Kings have had a fairytale season. Saturday 23rd of February 2013, they came out in their first game and gave the Eastern Cape a night they will never forget, beating the Western Force 22-10 in front of a packed Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium. A few weeks later they came from behind to draw with eventual losing Super Rugby finalists the Brumbies in Canberra, a week thereafter they won their 1st game on tour against Rebels in Melbourne. The last victory of the season came in an inspirational performance in Port Elizabeth against the Highlanders.

 It is now time to build on what they’ve achieved this season and central to this is making sure of the success of the Eastern Province Kings. While there is still a bit of uncertainty around whether there will be a promotion-relegation match next year for Super Rugby, the ultimate goal should be for both the senior and junior sides to earn promotion to Currie Cup Premier division. 

While the Pumas seem set to finish top of the log with the Kings 10 points of the pace, 1 or 2 slip ups from the men from Mpumalanga could see the men from Port Elizabeth go up to number 1 on the log giving them a chance to contest the promotion-relegation match against the team that comes last in the Premier Pivision. It should at least prove a bit of an incentive for our current seniors and any other seniors we may look to bring in. 

The u19s and u21s however are yet to begin their Currie Cup campaigns making it that much more important that they realise how crucial the promotion of the junior sides is to keeping Eastern Province Kings rugby in a healthy position. It will in many respects help the region with talent retention as all the talented youngsters want to play in the best junior competitions in the country and certainly help the upcoming talent with regards to quality opposition. This will also enable the Kings to build a strong base of players who can make the transition to senior rugby easier whether it would be Super Rugby or Currie Cup Premier Division. 

The Kings I am sure are well aware that the success should start at the bottom and should be built up from there, the platform has been laid by our reasonable success in Super Rugby, and it’s time for the union to move 1 level up. Good luck to all our Currie Cup teams, the 1994 breed (u19s), u21s and the seniors.  

 

Congratulations to the Lions, wish them and all their supporters all the best for next year’s Super Rugby competition. Last but not least, I think I speak for all the supporters of the Southern Kings when I say it has been a great experience to be in Super Rugby. All the best to the players who will leave Port Elizabeth, to all those who rallied behind the team even during the difficult times, the administrators, the management, the players and the people of Eastern Cape, one big resounding THANK YOU. 

Ludumo Nkabi

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