One more game left

The ABSA Currie Cup 1st Division reached it penultimate round last Friday as the top of the log Pumas hosted the forth placed SWD Eagles in Nelspruit and the second placed EP Kings played the third placed Leopards at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Port Elizabeth.

 The Pumas was first up against the Eagles in a 6 try to 3 victory at the Mbombela Stadium. Despite losing to the Pumas it was however the Eagles that scored the first try after just 5 minutes. After the Pumas and Eagles exchaged penalties to bring the score to 10 - 3 in favour of the Eagles, the Pumas scored two converted tries and one penalty with the Eagles adding one penalty before the half time break. 

At the start of the second half the Pumas had a slender 4 point lead as the Eagles were trailing 16 - 20. The Eagles started the second half pretty much the same as the first half with a converted try after just 5 minutes. The Pumas added a penalty to bring the score back to level terms on 23 all, but it wasn't long before the Eagles took the lead yet again through a converted try. The Pumas answered with a converted try of their own before the Eagles took another penalty kick and a three point lead with 20 minutes to go. 

Former Eastern Province player RW Kember added his name to the score card as the Pumas started to take control of the game as play went into the last quarter. The Pumas scored two more converted tries and a penalty to bring the final score to 52 - 33. The Pumas have been exceptional the entire 1st Division campaign, going through unbeaten and by finishing top of the log will have an opportunity to play a promotion / relegation match against the bottom of the log finisher in the Premier Division.

Scorers:

Pumas - Tries: Christo Le Roux, Coenie van Wyk, Corne Steenkamp, Renaldo Bothma, RW Kember, Stefan Watermeyer.

Conversions: Carl Bezuidenhout (6)

Penalties: Carl Bezuidenhout (5)

SWD Eagles - Tries: Alshaun Bock, Anver Venter, Clinton Wagman

Conversions: Justin van Staden (3)

Penalties: Justin van Staden (4)

The match in Port Elizabeth went beyond the regular stopage time when the game ended 22 all after the 80 minutes. Both teams scored 2 converted tries, but it was the boot of Scott van Breda that decided the out come the match as he kicked a vital penatly in extra time.

The teams exchanged penalties throughout the first half but it was the Leopards that scored the first try just on half time to take a 16 - 9 lead into the half time break. The Kings leveled the score 15 minutes into the second half through a van Breda penalty. The Leopards drew level in the 74th minute as time was running out and the game was still anyones for the taking. With three minutes to go Scott van Breda took the lead yet again through a penalty kick, but with time up on the clock the Leopards were given a penalty and wasnt going to miss from right infront. Scores were level at 22 all as the hooter went off in the back ground. 

The Kings kicked a penalty and scored a converted try as the Griquas could only manage a try at the end of the extra 20 minutes. Griquas missed a penalty kick during the first 10 minutes of extra time which could have level the scores, but it wasnt meant to be as the game ended 32 - 29 in favour of the Kings.

Scorers:

EP Kings - Tries: Kayle van Zyl, Tim Agaba

Conversions: Scott van Breda (2)

Penalties: Scott van Breda (6)

Leopards - Tries: Edmar Marais, Tiaan Dorfling

Conversions: Adriaan Engelbreght (2)

Penalties: Adriaan Engelbreght (5)

In many ways it is a repeat of last years 1st Division, as the Kings went through the season unbeaten, only drawing to the Pumas during their round robin matches. Last year the Pumas traveled to Port Elizabeth to face the Kings, this year the Kings need to travel to Nelspruit.

This weekend matches sees the EP Kings u19 taking on the Valke in the ABSA Under 19 Final in Kempton Park, the EP Kings u21 hosting Boland in the ABSA Under 21 Final and the EP Kings travel to Nelspruit to face the Pumas in the ABSA Currie 1st Division Final.

Kings u19 to face Boland in semi final

The Kings u19s got back to winning ways with a good win over the Limpopo Blue Bulls u19 side in Grobersdal, recording a 26-17 win. They broke a 3 match losing streak, the juniors were due a victory as they lost marginally in 2 of the 3 games. Their victory however was only good enough to secure them the 3rd spot on the log and they will now face the 2nd placed Boland in Wellington. They lost to Boland by 26 points to 24 in the round 5 fixture which was also in Wellington. This time they go there in a much better mental space coming off a victory. Ryan Felix named a settled side to take on the Boland u19 side.

 

The front 5 sees no changes with David Murray set to continue at loosehead prop. JP Jamieson is at hooker once again. Matthew Moore who celebrated his 19th birthday yesterday will lead the side from tighthead prop. The inspirational skipper is a well respected young man in the Kings set-up and looks like a man with a big future in the game. The combination of Grey schoolboys has developed with both Gerrit Huisamen and Stephan Ebersohn playing very important roles in the engine room. The only change in the pack is John-Henry Schmitt coming in on the openside, the Oudtshoorn High School old boy played there in the 1st few games before returning to his favoured hooker position. Tyler Paul is retained at 7 and will look to add his bulk as a ball carrier and be an additional lineout option in the back row. Erwin Slabbert is another consistent player who’s enjoyed a good season at 8. The hardworking no.8 is a robust ball carrier and puts in the big hits on defence.

 

The Kings Fraternity were buoyed by the news that Port Elizabeth’s favourite son, Sergeal Petersen, was fit to play again. The gifted young winger has been struggling with a hamstring problem since May while he was still playing Super Rugby. I applaud the management for excellent management as they have decided that it’s best to play Sergeal with the u19s. It is very important that the supporters realise that Sergeal is still very young and needs to be carefully managed in order to avoid any serious injuries early in his career. Sergeal will run on the right wing and will be on debut for Ryan Felix’s u19 side and will bring a lot of experience to the side. 

There are a few more changes to the backline with Jason Baggott shifting back to scrumhalf this week after playing flyhalf in Alex Banfield’s absence last week. Alex returns to assume the pivot role. The last change is the return of Selvyn Davids at outside centre after sitting out last week with a knock to the knee, Sherwin Slater drops to the bench. Luan Niewoudt retains the inside centre berth and will resume the partnership with schoolboy partner Selvyn. Sergeal will form part of a potent back 3 with Juandre Fourie on the left wing and Khaya Malotana at fullback.

 

The bench has 3 more new debutants this week, Jonathan Ford comes into the no.16 jersey, the hooker is a former Pearson High School boy who represented Eastern Province as a schoolboy in that position at Craven Weeks. The other 2 are current schoolboys with St Andrew’s deputy headboy, Ethan Fortuin set to make his debut off the bench, the young man has got deceptive pace, and he’s got great feet and can cover outside centre, wing and fullback. The last debutant is Kingswood tighthead prop Mvelo Khumalo, the mobile tighthead prop did most of his schooling at Maritzburg College in KZN and has represented the KZN Craven Week side last year. He had a good season with the Kingswood College 1st XV. Bathandwa Cafu who makes way for JH Schmitt will look to make an impact off the bench. Francois Nel also reverts back to the bench with Alex Banfield returning to the run on side. Simile Qinela, Dewald Meyer and Sherwin Slater make up the rest of the bench.

 

Matthew was very excited ahead of today’s clash with Boland when I spoke with him last night, “Well I think our captain’s run today was the best we’ve had this season, the team is looking very good and really positive ahead of the semi tomorrow.” He added, “We’re very excited to have Sergeal and Selvyn back. The boys are ready and we just want to do our best for everyone who is behind us and our Eastern Province Rugby Union and coaching staff.”

 

The Kings Army is behind you, all the best for the tough game. The game kicks off at 2pm in Wellington.

 

Kings u19

 

15: Khaya Malotana (Queen’s College)

14: Sergeal Petersen (Grey High School, PE)

13: Selvyn Davids (Nico Malan)

12: Luan Niewoudt (Nico Malan)

11: Juandre Fourie (Gill College)

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: JH 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: David Murray (St Andrew’s College)

Reserves

 

16: Jonathan Ford (Pearson High School)

17: Similile Qinela (Selborne College)

18: Bathandwa Cafu (Grey High School)

19: Dewald Meyer (Otto du Plessis)

20: Francois Nel (Daniel Pienaar)

21: Sherwin Slater (Andrew Rabie High School)

22: Ethan Fortuin (St Andrew’s College)

23: Mvelo Khumalo (Kingswood collegw)  

 

HEAD COACH: Ryan Felix

ASSISTANT COACH: Rory Duncan

 

Ludumo Nkabi - follow on twitter @ludz19

 

 

 

"We just need to play as a team"

Dane van der Westhuizen led the Eastern Province u21 side to well-earned victory in Grobersdal, Limpopo, triumphing 37-33 in a very tough away encounter. The win secured the top spot for the Kings ahead of the play-offs ending the league stage with 35 log points, 5 clear of the 2nd placed Boland side. Robbie Kempson’s men will take on the 4th placed Griquas u21s at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in one semi-final. The men from Port Elizabeth won their round 3 league encounter 53-0 at GWK Park in Kimberly. This time however will be completely different as the play-offs always prove much closer games. The Kings named a strong side with good consistency for the semi-final with minimal changes from last week’s side.

 

There is consistency in the forward combinations with only one change in the pack of forwards. The front row remains the same as Brendan Olivier retains the loosehead berth, captain and hooker is retained in the middle of the front row. 20 year old Mzuvukile Sofisa gets another chance to anchor the scrum at tighthead prop. Kuhle Sonkosi and Kevin Kaba also continue as a combination in the 2nd row to complete an unchanged tight 5. Wayvern comes in at openside in the only change in the pack. Claude Tshibidi will pack down on the blinside flank and will be an additional lineout option in the back row. Aidon Davis will be at the back of the scrum, the big no.8, just 19 years old, has been in good form and has been starting at no.8 in all the games.  

 

There are two changes in the backline with Siphumelele Msutwana coming back into the starting XV on the left wing for Ofentse Boloko, after missing out last week with a hamstring strain. Marlou van Niekerk came off early in the 2nd half last week with yet another concussion and will probably be out for the rest of the season. The smaller, quicker and more elusive Andile Jho comes in for bigger, hard running Marlou, his physicality will be missed in midfield. Joining Sphu Msutwana in the back three is the consistent, big, strong and quick Eben Barnard on the right wing and mesmerizing Shakes Soyizwapi at fullback. Shane Gates will partner Ace Jho in the centres as they look direct play in the midfield. The halfbacks are unchanged once again with Ivan Ludick starting at 9 and Zorba Allerston running the game from the pivot.

 

The bench is mostly unchanged with Selborne College old boy Yakha Qinela continuing to deputise for Dane, while Pieter Stemmet will also look to make an impact in the front row later on in the game. Brendan Hector drops out of the 22 man squad with Stefan Zaayman coming back after a few weeks sidelined with injury. Stefan will wear the no.18 jersey and will be eased back into action. Siphesihle Punguzwa also plays off the bench this week after making way for Wayvern Smith in the run on side. Magic Majola continues as cover for Ivan Ludik at scrumhalf. Gavin Hauptfleisch and Lonwabo Ntleki make up the rest of the backline replacements.

 

Dane had very few words for us as I asked for his thought ahead of the important semi-final, “There is nothing much to say, it’s simple, we just need to play as a team and then everything else will take care of itself”

Good luck to all the u21s and the coaches ahead of the most important game for this campaign thus far. The match kicks off at 4:30pm and will be the curtain raiser to the senior semi-final.

 

Kings u21

15: Siviwe Soyizwapi (Dale College)

14: Eben Barnard (Brandwag)

13: Andile Jho (Dale College)

12: Shane Gates (Muir College)

11: Siphumelele Msutwana (Dale College)

10: Ruan Allerston (Port Natal)

09: Ivan Ludick (Oakdale Landbou)

08: Aidon Davis (Daniel Pienaar)

07: Claude Tshibidi (Potch Boys’ High School)

06: Wayvern Smith (Brandwag)

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)

 

Reserves

16: Yakha Qinela (Selborne College)

17: Pieter Stemmet (Paul Roos Gymnasium)

18: Stefan Zaayman (Framesby High School)

19: Siphesihle Punguzwa (Selborne College)

20: Sonwabo Majola (Muir College)

21: Gavin Hauptfleisch (Boishaai)

22: Lonwabo Ntleki (KES)

 

HEAD COACH: Robbie Kempson

ASSISTANT COACH: Mzwandile Stick

 

Ludumo Nkabi - follow on twitter @ludz19

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 flyhalf. Juandre 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 loosehead. Sokhana 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 loosehead. Vukile 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

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

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)

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 XV. Sonwabo 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