The Southern Kings will have the service of their speedster Sergeal Petersen back in their starting line up when they face the Waratahs this coming Saturday at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium. Petersen who missed out on his teams last two games against the Bulls and the Cheetahs due to a groin strain is fit and ready to go.
Petersen will replace Michael Killian, who will return to the Vodacom Cup side to face the Blue Bulls in their quarter final clash in Pretoria on Saturday. Siyanda Grey will keep his spot in the starting XV after making his debut for the Super Rugby side against the Cheetahs last weekend. Luke Watson will again start on the bench as their is no reason to break up the in form loose trio of Jacques Engelbrecht, Wimpie van der Walt and Cornell du Preez.
Lets hope the Kings can continue their dominance over Australian opposition after they recorded their first ever Super Rugby win against the Western Force, an away draw against the table topping Brumbies and their first away win against the Rebels in Melbourne.
Kick off will be at 17:05.
Southern Kings
15.George Whitehead 14 Sergeal Petersen 13 Ronnie Cooke 12 Andries Strauss (C) 11 Siyanda Grey 10 Demetri Catrakilis 9 Shaun Venter 8 Jacques Engelbrecht 7 Wimpie van der Walt 6 Cornell du Preez 5 Rynier Bernado 4 Steven Sykes (VC) 3 Kevin Buys 2 Bandise Maku 1 Schalk Ferreira
Replacements
16 Virgile Lacombe 17 Grant Kemp 18 David Bulbring 19 Luke Watson 20 Nicolas Vergallo 21 Waylon Murray 22 Siviwe Soyizwapi
Tuesday 30 April 2013
Monday 29 April 2013
EP Kings to face Blue Bulls in Vodacom Cup QF
The EP Kings will advance to the quarter finals of this years Vodacom Cup after beating Boland this past weekend. The Kings were trailing 8 - 13 at halftime, but 3 second half tries were enough to see the Kings to a 27 - 23 victory and a quarter final playoff against the Bulls in Pretoria this weekend.
Vodacom Cup Head Coach, David Maidza said the team were lucky to have come home with five points, following a fairly lacklustre performance at the Wesbank Stadium in Malmsbury on the weekend.
“I am very glad we were able to secure the five points, to secure a quarter final, but I was not happy with the overall performance of the team, it was not their best performance,” he said.
Maidza said the team had done well on defence, which had played a critical role in them coming back from behind in the second half.
“Our play will ball in hand, however, was erratic at times, and we weren’t nearly as dangerous on attack as we could have been,” he said.
Maidza said the team knew they would have their work cut out for them against the Blue Bulls in the quarter finals.
“When you go up against the Blue bulls you know you are going to be playing a competent team, it is always going to be a challenge as they are a very strong outfit,” he said.
“We know how they play and we will prepare accordingly over the week and will need to tidy up in a number of areas ahead of the game,” he said.
After drawing their opener against the Pampas XV, 20 all, they managed their first win against Border 30 - 22. In their 3rd game they lost horribly to Western Province, 43 - 18, but turned their campaign around with 4 straight wins. The fist one was a 17 - 13 against Free State XV in Bloem followed by a 52 - 10 win against SWD in PE, a 27 - 23 win against the Sharks VX in PE and a 27 - 23 bonus point win against Boland in Malmesbury.
The other teams qualifying for the quarter finals are the Sharks and Lions, Pumas and Pampas, Western Province and Griquas.
Scorers:
Regent Boland Cavaliers – Tries: Senan van der Merwe, Ashton Constant ; Conversions: Jacquin Jasen (2); Penalties: Jacquin Jasen (3)
Eastern Province Kings – Tries: Paul Schoeman; Stefan Willemse, Kyle van Zyl, Devon Oosthuizen Conversions: Kyle van Zyl (2); Penalties: Scott van Breda (1)
Vodacom Cup Head Coach, David Maidza said the team were lucky to have come home with five points, following a fairly lacklustre performance at the Wesbank Stadium in Malmsbury on the weekend.
“I am very glad we were able to secure the five points, to secure a quarter final, but I was not happy with the overall performance of the team, it was not their best performance,” he said.
Maidza said the team had done well on defence, which had played a critical role in them coming back from behind in the second half.
“Our play will ball in hand, however, was erratic at times, and we weren’t nearly as dangerous on attack as we could have been,” he said.
Maidza said the team knew they would have their work cut out for them against the Blue Bulls in the quarter finals.
“When you go up against the Blue bulls you know you are going to be playing a competent team, it is always going to be a challenge as they are a very strong outfit,” he said.
“We know how they play and we will prepare accordingly over the week and will need to tidy up in a number of areas ahead of the game,” he said.
After drawing their opener against the Pampas XV, 20 all, they managed their first win against Border 30 - 22. In their 3rd game they lost horribly to Western Province, 43 - 18, but turned their campaign around with 4 straight wins. The fist one was a 17 - 13 against Free State XV in Bloem followed by a 52 - 10 win against SWD in PE, a 27 - 23 win against the Sharks VX in PE and a 27 - 23 bonus point win against Boland in Malmesbury.
The other teams qualifying for the quarter finals are the Sharks and Lions, Pumas and Pampas, Western Province and Griquas.
Scorers:
Regent Boland Cavaliers – Tries: Senan van der Merwe, Ashton Constant ; Conversions: Jacquin Jasen (2); Penalties: Jacquin Jasen (3)
Eastern Province Kings – Tries: Paul Schoeman; Stefan Willemse, Kyle van Zyl, Devon Oosthuizen Conversions: Kyle van Zyl (2); Penalties: Scott van Breda (1)
Sunday 28 April 2013
No bonus points in Bloem
The scoreboard tells a different story but the Southern Kings had the upper hand in some areas in the game against the Cheetahs on Saturday evening. The Kings might have lost the game but they are much happier with their performance compared to last weekend against the Bulls.
Director of Rugby, Alan Solomons said the team had showed great improvement on their poor performance the week before against the Vodacom Bulls, attributed to travel fatigue following the team’s first Australasian tour.
“Not to take anything away from the Bulls, who probably put on their best performance to date against the Kings last week, but the players definitely did not play like they usually did in that game,” he said.
The Kings went down 12 - 26 after trailing 9 - 15 at half time and will return to Port Elizabeth with no points from the game, but there are a few positives they should build on before taking on the Waratahs in their next home game.
For the Kings Jacques Engelbrecht gained 80 meters from his 13 runs. Engelbrecht also hit 12 rucks/mauls and forced one turn over. Wimpie van der Walt added his weight to 11 rucks/mauls and made the second most tackles in the game, 15, Heindrich Brussow made 18.
The Kings enjoyed 56% of the territory and spend 6:05 minutes in Cheetahs 22 compared to their 5:22 minutes spend in Kings 22, but could only manage to kick 4 penalties. The Kings also forced the Cheetahs to make more tackles, 165 (88%), to their 111 (82%).
Solomons said that there is no comparison between this game and the game we played last week (against the Bulls), we held onto the ball, had much better possession and territory and were unfortunate to come away with the result that we did.
"There had been a few lapses in concentration, which had resulted in two tries being scored in the first half, that could have been avoided."
“The first try came from deep within the Cheetah’s territory, while the second was due to a defensive lapse,” he said.
“We also have to work on converting territory and possession into points; we need to be more composed in the opposition’s 22,” said Solomons.
There are also no casualties from the game which means the Kings could send their strongest possible team out when they face the Waratahs this coming Saturday at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Port Elizabeth.
Director of Rugby, Alan Solomons said the team had showed great improvement on their poor performance the week before against the Vodacom Bulls, attributed to travel fatigue following the team’s first Australasian tour.
“Not to take anything away from the Bulls, who probably put on their best performance to date against the Kings last week, but the players definitely did not play like they usually did in that game,” he said.
The Kings went down 12 - 26 after trailing 9 - 15 at half time and will return to Port Elizabeth with no points from the game, but there are a few positives they should build on before taking on the Waratahs in their next home game.
For the Kings Jacques Engelbrecht gained 80 meters from his 13 runs. Engelbrecht also hit 12 rucks/mauls and forced one turn over. Wimpie van der Walt added his weight to 11 rucks/mauls and made the second most tackles in the game, 15, Heindrich Brussow made 18.
The Kings enjoyed 56% of the territory and spend 6:05 minutes in Cheetahs 22 compared to their 5:22 minutes spend in Kings 22, but could only manage to kick 4 penalties. The Kings also forced the Cheetahs to make more tackles, 165 (88%), to their 111 (82%).
Solomons said that there is no comparison between this game and the game we played last week (against the Bulls), we held onto the ball, had much better possession and territory and were unfortunate to come away with the result that we did.
"There had been a few lapses in concentration, which had resulted in two tries being scored in the first half, that could have been avoided."
“The first try came from deep within the Cheetah’s territory, while the second was due to a defensive lapse,” he said.
“We also have to work on converting territory and possession into points; we need to be more composed in the opposition’s 22,” said Solomons.
There are also no casualties from the game which means the Kings could send their strongest possible team out when they face the Waratahs this coming Saturday at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Port Elizabeth.
Friday 26 April 2013
Sergeal included in the SA u20 squad
Many said he is too young for Super Rugby when the Kings offered him a contract last year while still finishing high school, but Sergeal Petersen quickly became a fan favourite after scoring two tries on debut against the Western Force.
He played for Eastern Province at all youth levels, representing them at the 2007 Under-13 Craven Week, the 2010 Under-16 Grant Khomo Week where he scored three tries in three games and in the 2012 Under-18 Craven Week scoring four tries in three games. The latter performance earned him inclusion in the S.A. Schools team that played against France, Wales and England in August 2012.
Full name: Sergeal Peterson
Date of birth: 1 August 1994 (Humansdorp)
Height: 1.71m
Weight: 82kg
School: Grey High School PE
Position: Wing
Petersen has scored 3 tries in 7 appearances for the Southern Kings thus far in the competition, but a groin strain has kept him out of the game against the Bulls and the coaching staff also decided not to risk him when they face the Cheetahs this coming weekend.
Petersen has been rewarded for his good play in Super Rugby with a call up to the South Africa u20 squad to compete in the IRB Junior World Cup in France in June. Another Eastern Province player that will join Petersen is Aidon Davis. Davis who matriculated at HTS Daniel Pienaar is currently playing flank for the EP Kings in the Vodacom Cup. Davis stands 1.9 meters tall and weights in at 100kg's.
“Both of these players have come through the ranks and excelled at Craven Week last year, where Aidon captained the side and Sergeal was one of the stars of the tournament,” said Cheeky Watson
“Their selection is a testament to the growing rugby talent in the region and I’m sure they will do us proud in the upcoming tournament”
He played for Eastern Province at all youth levels, representing them at the 2007 Under-13 Craven Week, the 2010 Under-16 Grant Khomo Week where he scored three tries in three games and in the 2012 Under-18 Craven Week scoring four tries in three games. The latter performance earned him inclusion in the S.A. Schools team that played against France, Wales and England in August 2012.
Full name: Sergeal Peterson
Date of birth: 1 August 1994 (Humansdorp)
Height: 1.71m
Weight: 82kg
School: Grey High School PE
Position: Wing
Petersen has scored 3 tries in 7 appearances for the Southern Kings thus far in the competition, but a groin strain has kept him out of the game against the Bulls and the coaching staff also decided not to risk him when they face the Cheetahs this coming weekend.
Petersen has been rewarded for his good play in Super Rugby with a call up to the South Africa u20 squad to compete in the IRB Junior World Cup in France in June. Another Eastern Province player that will join Petersen is Aidon Davis. Davis who matriculated at HTS Daniel Pienaar is currently playing flank for the EP Kings in the Vodacom Cup. Davis stands 1.9 meters tall and weights in at 100kg's.
“Both of these players have come through the ranks and excelled at Craven Week last year, where Aidon captained the side and Sergeal was one of the stars of the tournament,” said Cheeky Watson
“Their selection is a testament to the growing rugby talent in the region and I’m sure they will do us proud in the upcoming tournament”
Tuesday 23 April 2013
Tough week ahead for the Kings
The Bulls showed their class and experience when they played the Southern Kings in Port Elizabeth this past weekend. The Bulls scored 4 unanswered tries to bag 5 log points and move to the top of the South African Conference, one point ahead of the Cheetahs and Sharks.
The Bulls scored 2 first half tries down the left hand touch line. The first one came through man of the match Jan Serfontein and the second through Jano Vermaak. Both tries were converted by Morne Steyn and he also added 2 penalty kicks, half time score 20 - 0.
The Kings started the second half much better and were playing more in the Bulls half of the field, but even with 51% possession and 52% territory in the second half the Kings were still unable to cross the Bulls try line.
The Bulls also managed to score two late tries in the second half as the game opened up and the Bulls started to find the gaps in the Kings defense. Jacques Potgieter once the beloved son of EP rugby scored the Bulls 3rd try in the 76th minute and the bonus point try came through Akona Ndungane on the full time hooter, final score 34 - 0.
Many would ask the question why Luke Watson was preferred ahead of Jacques Engelbrecht who was outstanding in Watson's absence. Watson who made his return to Super Rugby against the Bulls after injury kept him out for a few weeks looked a bit off the pace and though he tried to pull his weight nothing went his way on the night.
Speaking after the game Luke said they were not in the game, the Bulls were in top form, very accurate and very clinical in everything they did.
"They took us out of the game and we never rocked up, so it was a disappointing evening for us."
The Kings made a few changes to their team ahead of Saturdays match against the Cheetahs in Bloem. Captaincy went back to Andries Strauss to leading the Kings out against his old team mates.
They have also decided to move Watson to the bench and bring Engelbrecht back to the starting line up.
The Kings will also face the Cheetahs without Sergeal Petersen. Solomons said Petersen was not up for selection after continuing concerns over the groin strain he had sustained last week during training, despite initial indications that he was eligible for selection.
“Sergeal’s groin is still not 100% and on discussing it with the medical staff, we feel that it would not be worth risking.”
“He is a young guy, an athlete and wing. If he tears the groin muscle, it could not only affect his playing this season, but his career going forward. He is a young 18-year-old who has a marvelous career ahead of him and we feel that to be cautious at this point in time is the right thing for him.”
With Petersen unavailable it gives an opportunity to Siyanda Grey who has recovered from an injury he picked up last season, to make his debut at Super Rugby level. Another player who will be making his first Super Rugby appearance in a Southern Kings jersey is Michael Killian. Marcello Sampson falls out of the match day 22.
“Marcello has been involved in most of the games to date, Michael comes back from injury and we have done a rotation there, as it is important that we have strength in depth. One must also remember that we have now played seven games back to back, including four on tour, and the effects of that are being felt,” Solomons said.
Ronnie Cooke will also move back to centre while Waylon Murray moves to the bench. Among the forwards Rynier Bernardo would start while David Bulbring moved to the bench, and Jacques “Vleis” Engelbrecht would start at number eight in Watson’s place.
Virgile Lacombe has also been named on the bench, having recovered from his rib injury and having come off a strong showing in the second half of the Vodacom Cup game against the Sharks XV this past weekend.
Southern Kings team to face the Cheetahs:
15 George Whitehead 14 Siyanda Grey 13 Ronnie Cooke 12 Andries Strauss (C) 11 Micheal Killian 10 Demetri Catrakilis 9 Shaun Venter 8 Jacques Engelbrecht 7 Wimpier van der Walt 6 Cornell du Preez 5 Rynier Bernado 4 Steven Sykes (VC) 3 Kevin Buys 2 Bandise Maku 1 Schalk Ferreira
Replacements:
16 Virgile Lacombe 17 Grant Kemp 18 David Bulbring 19 Luke Watson 20 Nicolas Vergallo 21 Waylon Murray 22 Siviwe Soyizwapi
The Bulls scored 2 first half tries down the left hand touch line. The first one came through man of the match Jan Serfontein and the second through Jano Vermaak. Both tries were converted by Morne Steyn and he also added 2 penalty kicks, half time score 20 - 0.
The Kings started the second half much better and were playing more in the Bulls half of the field, but even with 51% possession and 52% territory in the second half the Kings were still unable to cross the Bulls try line.
The Bulls also managed to score two late tries in the second half as the game opened up and the Bulls started to find the gaps in the Kings defense. Jacques Potgieter once the beloved son of EP rugby scored the Bulls 3rd try in the 76th minute and the bonus point try came through Akona Ndungane on the full time hooter, final score 34 - 0.
Many would ask the question why Luke Watson was preferred ahead of Jacques Engelbrecht who was outstanding in Watson's absence. Watson who made his return to Super Rugby against the Bulls after injury kept him out for a few weeks looked a bit off the pace and though he tried to pull his weight nothing went his way on the night.
Speaking after the game Luke said they were not in the game, the Bulls were in top form, very accurate and very clinical in everything they did.
"They took us out of the game and we never rocked up, so it was a disappointing evening for us."
The Kings made a few changes to their team ahead of Saturdays match against the Cheetahs in Bloem. Captaincy went back to Andries Strauss to leading the Kings out against his old team mates.
They have also decided to move Watson to the bench and bring Engelbrecht back to the starting line up.
The Kings will also face the Cheetahs without Sergeal Petersen. Solomons said Petersen was not up for selection after continuing concerns over the groin strain he had sustained last week during training, despite initial indications that he was eligible for selection.
“Sergeal’s groin is still not 100% and on discussing it with the medical staff, we feel that it would not be worth risking.”
“He is a young guy, an athlete and wing. If he tears the groin muscle, it could not only affect his playing this season, but his career going forward. He is a young 18-year-old who has a marvelous career ahead of him and we feel that to be cautious at this point in time is the right thing for him.”
With Petersen unavailable it gives an opportunity to Siyanda Grey who has recovered from an injury he picked up last season, to make his debut at Super Rugby level. Another player who will be making his first Super Rugby appearance in a Southern Kings jersey is Michael Killian. Marcello Sampson falls out of the match day 22.
“Marcello has been involved in most of the games to date, Michael comes back from injury and we have done a rotation there, as it is important that we have strength in depth. One must also remember that we have now played seven games back to back, including four on tour, and the effects of that are being felt,” Solomons said.
Ronnie Cooke will also move back to centre while Waylon Murray moves to the bench. Among the forwards Rynier Bernardo would start while David Bulbring moved to the bench, and Jacques “Vleis” Engelbrecht would start at number eight in Watson’s place.
Virgile Lacombe has also been named on the bench, having recovered from his rib injury and having come off a strong showing in the second half of the Vodacom Cup game against the Sharks XV this past weekend.
Southern Kings team to face the Cheetahs:
15 George Whitehead 14 Siyanda Grey 13 Ronnie Cooke 12 Andries Strauss (C) 11 Micheal Killian 10 Demetri Catrakilis 9 Shaun Venter 8 Jacques Engelbrecht 7 Wimpier van der Walt 6 Cornell du Preez 5 Rynier Bernado 4 Steven Sykes (VC) 3 Kevin Buys 2 Bandise Maku 1 Schalk Ferreira
Replacements:
16 Virgile Lacombe 17 Grant Kemp 18 David Bulbring 19 Luke Watson 20 Nicolas Vergallo 21 Waylon Murray 22 Siviwe Soyizwapi
Friday 19 April 2013
Scott van Breda gets his chance
We had some bad news come out of the Kings camp yesterday, “the darling of PE rugby” as he’s become affectionately known in the Kings circles will miss Saturday’s clash with the Bulls at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium.
The 18 year old Sergeal Petersen sat out training today with a muscle strain and on further assessment it was decided to withdraw him from the team for Saturday’s clash.
Marcello Sampson comes off the bench and will wear the no.14 jersey. The no.21 jersey vacated by Sampson will be worn by Scott van Breda who will also be on debut for the Southern Kings.
Scott van Breda will be the 4th player to represent the Southern Kings having come through the Academy. The 21 year old Scott van Breda spent most of his high school years at Rondebosch Boys’ High School in Cape Town. He moved to Kingswood College in 2010 where he was part of a very good Kingswood 1st XV. A star in the junior ranks, he’s comfortable at fullback or outside centre and has on the odd occasion been deployed on the wing.
A reliable fullback with a good tactical kicking game and solid under the high ball, his awareness of space make him a danger when attacking the line, strong on his feet, it allows the supporting players and in particular the outside backs to run off him. One of the better playmakers you’ll see at centre these days.
He’s a deadly accurate goal kicker and he has done most of the goal kicking in the EP Junior ranks and more recently in the Vodacom Cup. He’s got a good temperament, already capped at senior level for the EP Kings both at Currie Cup and Vodacom Cup level, Scott is a well-balanced young player who I have no doubt will take this opportunity with both hands.
Congratulations to Scott on the call up to the Super Rugby side, a reward to a player who’s earned his shot at this level through consistently good performances. We wish him all the best for Saturday. Once more we must commend what the Academy does in producing these young player, well done to Robbie Kempson and the Academy staff for producing yet another future star of the Kings.
Ludumo Nkabi
The 18 year old Sergeal Petersen sat out training today with a muscle strain and on further assessment it was decided to withdraw him from the team for Saturday’s clash.
Marcello Sampson comes off the bench and will wear the no.14 jersey. The no.21 jersey vacated by Sampson will be worn by Scott van Breda who will also be on debut for the Southern Kings.
Scott van Breda will be the 4th player to represent the Southern Kings having come through the Academy. The 21 year old Scott van Breda spent most of his high school years at Rondebosch Boys’ High School in Cape Town. He moved to Kingswood College in 2010 where he was part of a very good Kingswood 1st XV. A star in the junior ranks, he’s comfortable at fullback or outside centre and has on the odd occasion been deployed on the wing.
A reliable fullback with a good tactical kicking game and solid under the high ball, his awareness of space make him a danger when attacking the line, strong on his feet, it allows the supporting players and in particular the outside backs to run off him. One of the better playmakers you’ll see at centre these days.
He’s a deadly accurate goal kicker and he has done most of the goal kicking in the EP Junior ranks and more recently in the Vodacom Cup. He’s got a good temperament, already capped at senior level for the EP Kings both at Currie Cup and Vodacom Cup level, Scott is a well-balanced young player who I have no doubt will take this opportunity with both hands.
Congratulations to Scott on the call up to the Super Rugby side, a reward to a player who’s earned his shot at this level through consistently good performances. We wish him all the best for Saturday. Once more we must commend what the Academy does in producing these young player, well done to Robbie Kempson and the Academy staff for producing yet another future star of the Kings.
Ludumo Nkabi
Tuesday 16 April 2013
Southern Kings to face Bulls
The Southern Kings will return to their Kingdom, the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, when they face the Bulls from Pretoria this coming Saturday. It will be the first time that these two sides will face each other in a Super Rugby format.
Both teams will enter this match with a win behind their name. The Bulls recorded a 26 - 20 win over the Cheetahs at Loftus and the Kings a memorable 30 - 27, in their first away win over the Melbourne Rebels in Australia.
The Kings will enter this game with a lot of confidence after a successful tour abroad, managing a draw against log leaders the Brumbies a win against the Rebels and bringing 7 log points back from 4 games. They also have their inspirational captain Luke Watson back to lead the team onto the field on Saturday.
The match against the 3 times Super Rugby champions will by no means be an easy one for the Kings. One can expect a tough battle upfront and the always accurate boot of Springbok flyhalf Morne Steyn to get the scoreboard ticking. The Kings also have some pretty solid house hold names that will be ready for the Bulls onslaught, namely Schalk Ferreira, Wimpie van der Walt, Cornell du Preez, Rynier Bernardo, Jacques Engelbrecht, guys that have shown us these last couple of weeks they are here to play rugby. And if that is not enough they still have the likes of Bandise Maku, Steven Sykes, David Bulbring and their captain Watson.
Teams have showed in the past that the Bulls struggle if they are physically matched upfront and their flyhalf is putt under pressure. My prediction is, its going to be a typical South African derby with a potential 7 to 15 points difference. The Bulls fans will come out in numbers to support their adopted team, but be assured that the Kings Army will let their voice be heard come Saturday evening.
Southern Kings:
15 George Whitehead 14 Sergeal Petersen 13 Waylon Murray 12 Andries Strauss (VC) 11 Ronnie Cooke 10 Demetri Catrakilis 9 Shaun Venter 8 Luke Watson (C) 7 Wimpie van der Walt 6 Cornell du Preez 5 David Bulbring 4 Steven Sykes 3 Kevin Buys 2 Bandise Maku 1 Schalk Ferreira
Replacements:
16 Hannes Franklin 17 Grant Kemp 18 Rynier Bernardo 19 Jacques Engelbrecht 20 Nicolas Vergallo 21 Marcello Sampson 22 Siviwe Soyizwapi
Both teams will enter this match with a win behind their name. The Bulls recorded a 26 - 20 win over the Cheetahs at Loftus and the Kings a memorable 30 - 27, in their first away win over the Melbourne Rebels in Australia.
The Kings will enter this game with a lot of confidence after a successful tour abroad, managing a draw against log leaders the Brumbies a win against the Rebels and bringing 7 log points back from 4 games. They also have their inspirational captain Luke Watson back to lead the team onto the field on Saturday.
The match against the 3 times Super Rugby champions will by no means be an easy one for the Kings. One can expect a tough battle upfront and the always accurate boot of Springbok flyhalf Morne Steyn to get the scoreboard ticking. The Kings also have some pretty solid house hold names that will be ready for the Bulls onslaught, namely Schalk Ferreira, Wimpie van der Walt, Cornell du Preez, Rynier Bernardo, Jacques Engelbrecht, guys that have shown us these last couple of weeks they are here to play rugby. And if that is not enough they still have the likes of Bandise Maku, Steven Sykes, David Bulbring and their captain Watson.
Teams have showed in the past that the Bulls struggle if they are physically matched upfront and their flyhalf is putt under pressure. My prediction is, its going to be a typical South African derby with a potential 7 to 15 points difference. The Bulls fans will come out in numbers to support their adopted team, but be assured that the Kings Army will let their voice be heard come Saturday evening.
Southern Kings:
15 George Whitehead 14 Sergeal Petersen 13 Waylon Murray 12 Andries Strauss (VC) 11 Ronnie Cooke 10 Demetri Catrakilis 9 Shaun Venter 8 Luke Watson (C) 7 Wimpie van der Walt 6 Cornell du Preez 5 David Bulbring 4 Steven Sykes 3 Kevin Buys 2 Bandise Maku 1 Schalk Ferreira
Replacements:
16 Hannes Franklin 17 Grant Kemp 18 Rynier Bernardo 19 Jacques Engelbrecht 20 Nicolas Vergallo 21 Marcello Sampson 22 Siviwe Soyizwapi
Monday 15 April 2013
Good tour turned into a fantastic tour
The Southern Kings played their last tour game against the Melbourne Rebels from Australia. The confidence were high in the Kings camp after a 4 try 28 all draw the previous week against the over all table topping Brumbies.
The Rebels could have been a game the Kings targeted to win on their first over seas tour, and it probably looked more like a reality after what they have managed a week prior. The views about the Kings went from not winning a single game to most South Africans backing the team from the Eastern Cape to beat the Rebels. And there was some excitement around the game after the way the Kings have been improving week after week.
Ronnie Cooke opened the scoring for the Kings after just 8 minutes of play. The second try was a brilliant break by Shaun Venter from the half way line and the Kings were up 14 - 0 after just 14 minutes. The players must have felt that a bonus point win will be on the cards, but the Rebels scored two tries of their own and the 1st half ended 17 all.
The second half started with level scores and everything to play for, a win after a long tour would be the best reward and would make the long journey back home so much more enjoyable. The Kings some how lost a bit of concentration at the start of the second half and before they realised the Rebels had a comfortable 27 - 17 lead.
Wimpie van der Walt scored the teams third and equalising try in the 77th minute. After receiving the ball from kick off the Kings took it up a few meters, then Demetri Catrakilis did the unthinkable of kicking away the possession, it actually ended up the best thing he could have done to get his team back in Rebels territory. The Kings pilled on the pressure and got the ball back, Catrakilis found himself in a great position to steal 3 points through a drop goal which led to his teams first victory away from home, 30 - 27.
Matt Sexton, head coach, said after the game, “Of course we’re exceptionally happy with the four log points, and the overall result, but we battled in the middle of the game,”
Sexton said he felt the team had not played to their full potential, and continued to give away too many penalties.
“The problem is that we perhaps had too much of a good start and the guys took their foot off the gas and relaxed a little, which allowed the momentum to sway in the Rebels favour,” he said.
“We have got to learn to keep the pressure on, but this is also a learning curve for us and this was another lesson learnt,” he said.
Director or Rugby, Alan Solomons, echoed Sexton’s assessment of the game, saying the players had a much better second half.
“We lost momentum and eased off after the first ten minutes or so, and our exiting our own half was poor, we gave away too many penalties which meant we made work for ourselves,” he said.
Solomons said that while the team had not played particularly well, the win once again showed the determination and character of the squad.
“A win when you’re not playing well, that says a lot about the team,” he said.
Solomons said he was very happy with the drop goal at the end.
“We knew Demetri could do it, he’s done it before at Currie cup and Vodacom Cup level, and he has a wonderful temperament under pressure,” he said.
“Before this it was already a good tour, but the win has turned this into a fantastic tour,” he said.
Scorers:
Rebels – Tries: Ged Robinson, Angus Roberts, Mitch Inman. Conversions: James O`Connor (3). Penalties: O`Connor (2)
Southern Kings– Penalty: Ronnie Cooke, Shaun Venter, Wimpie van der Walt. Conversion: Demetri Catrakilis (3). Drop goal: Catrakilis Penalties: Catrakilis (2)
The Rebels could have been a game the Kings targeted to win on their first over seas tour, and it probably looked more like a reality after what they have managed a week prior. The views about the Kings went from not winning a single game to most South Africans backing the team from the Eastern Cape to beat the Rebels. And there was some excitement around the game after the way the Kings have been improving week after week.
Ronnie Cooke opened the scoring for the Kings after just 8 minutes of play. The second try was a brilliant break by Shaun Venter from the half way line and the Kings were up 14 - 0 after just 14 minutes. The players must have felt that a bonus point win will be on the cards, but the Rebels scored two tries of their own and the 1st half ended 17 all.
The second half started with level scores and everything to play for, a win after a long tour would be the best reward and would make the long journey back home so much more enjoyable. The Kings some how lost a bit of concentration at the start of the second half and before they realised the Rebels had a comfortable 27 - 17 lead.
Wimpie van der Walt scored the teams third and equalising try in the 77th minute. After receiving the ball from kick off the Kings took it up a few meters, then Demetri Catrakilis did the unthinkable of kicking away the possession, it actually ended up the best thing he could have done to get his team back in Rebels territory. The Kings pilled on the pressure and got the ball back, Catrakilis found himself in a great position to steal 3 points through a drop goal which led to his teams first victory away from home, 30 - 27.
Matt Sexton, head coach, said after the game, “Of course we’re exceptionally happy with the four log points, and the overall result, but we battled in the middle of the game,”
Sexton said he felt the team had not played to their full potential, and continued to give away too many penalties.
“The problem is that we perhaps had too much of a good start and the guys took their foot off the gas and relaxed a little, which allowed the momentum to sway in the Rebels favour,” he said.
“We have got to learn to keep the pressure on, but this is also a learning curve for us and this was another lesson learnt,” he said.
Director or Rugby, Alan Solomons, echoed Sexton’s assessment of the game, saying the players had a much better second half.
“We lost momentum and eased off after the first ten minutes or so, and our exiting our own half was poor, we gave away too many penalties which meant we made work for ourselves,” he said.
Solomons said that while the team had not played particularly well, the win once again showed the determination and character of the squad.
“A win when you’re not playing well, that says a lot about the team,” he said.
Solomons said he was very happy with the drop goal at the end.
“We knew Demetri could do it, he’s done it before at Currie cup and Vodacom Cup level, and he has a wonderful temperament under pressure,” he said.
“Before this it was already a good tour, but the win has turned this into a fantastic tour,” he said.
Scorers:
Rebels – Tries: Ged Robinson, Angus Roberts, Mitch Inman. Conversions: James O`Connor (3). Penalties: O`Connor (2)
Southern Kings– Penalty: Ronnie Cooke, Shaun Venter, Wimpie van der Walt. Conversion: Demetri Catrakilis (3). Drop goal: Catrakilis Penalties: Catrakilis (2)
Thursday 11 April 2013
Kings to battle Rebels
The Southern Kings will have one final tour match against the Melbourne Rebels on Saturday before returning to South Africa for the remainder of their Super Rugby campaign.
The Kings have silenced a lot of their critics or to put it bluntly, haters, when they drew against the log leaders Brumbies a week ago. The Kings outscored the Brumbies 4 tries to 2 and received 3 log points, 1 bonus points for their 4 tries and 2 for the draw.
Before the Kings went on tour they had a good run of home games, winning their opener against the Western Force and two close games against last years runners up the Sharks and defending champions the Chiefs. The results from their home games could have given them some confidence for the somewhat unknown for a team that is hungry to play rugby and to show the rest of the rugby public they deserve to be in this competition.
The tour would either have been one to crush their spirits or draw the team closer as a unite when they do battle in the unknown. The Kings spirits are however not crushed and they can go into their last match with confidence and even backing themselves for their first away win after conquering the unknown in some way but definitely standing stronger as a unite from when they left the comforts of their home ground and their passionate Kings Army.
The Kings are growing week by week, they came into this competition as a strong defensive team and many will know that defensive can only carry you for so long. The coaches kept on saying they must keep more possession and do more with the ball in hand. In the last 3 games we have seen more of the Kings attacking play, even though they received a hiding from 7 times Super Rugby Champions the Crusaders they did manage to score 2 tries. Its more in the last two games where we have seen what they can do with good ball. They came close to scoring 4 tries against the Hurricanes two weeks ago and pulled off a draw against the Brumbies last week by scoring 4 tries.
Captain Andries Strauss said: “There were a few crucial areas that we still need to work on, such as being aware of the space on the field, limiting the opponent’s space and getting used to the levels of pressure on the field, but these are things we can only learn on the field, through experience,”
“For many of the players this has been their first tour, and they have gained a lot of new experiences through the tour, both on and off the field,” he said.
Looking at the game this weekend he said: “The Rebels have come back very strong against the Western Force last week. Many people have written them off after they took a hiding in the game against the Sharks, but they are not to be underestimated,”
The Kings have a wonder opportunity to take the ultimate reward for a tour that could easily be labeled as one of character, guts, determination, courage and a never say die attitude.
Some might tip the Kings as being favourites going into their last game, but im sure Alan Solomons and his team would not mind keeping the underdog tag for this game.
Kickoff will be at 11:40 (SA time)
Southern Kings:
15 George Whitehead 14 Sergeal Petersen 13 Waylon Murray 12 Andries Strauss (c) 11 Ronnie Cooke 10 Demetri Catrakilis 9 Shaun Venter 8 Cornell du Preez 7 Wimpie van der Walt 6 Devin Oosthuizen 5 Rynier Bernardo 4 Steven Sykes (vc) 3 Grant Kemp 2 Hannes Franklin 1 Schalk Ferreira
Replacements:
16 Bandise Maku 17 Kevin Buys 18 David Bulbring 19 Jacques Engelbrecht 20 Nicolas Vergallo 21 Marcello Sampson 22 Siviwe Soyzwapi
The Kings have silenced a lot of their critics or to put it bluntly, haters, when they drew against the log leaders Brumbies a week ago. The Kings outscored the Brumbies 4 tries to 2 and received 3 log points, 1 bonus points for their 4 tries and 2 for the draw.
Before the Kings went on tour they had a good run of home games, winning their opener against the Western Force and two close games against last years runners up the Sharks and defending champions the Chiefs. The results from their home games could have given them some confidence for the somewhat unknown for a team that is hungry to play rugby and to show the rest of the rugby public they deserve to be in this competition.
The tour would either have been one to crush their spirits or draw the team closer as a unite when they do battle in the unknown. The Kings spirits are however not crushed and they can go into their last match with confidence and even backing themselves for their first away win after conquering the unknown in some way but definitely standing stronger as a unite from when they left the comforts of their home ground and their passionate Kings Army.
The Kings are growing week by week, they came into this competition as a strong defensive team and many will know that defensive can only carry you for so long. The coaches kept on saying they must keep more possession and do more with the ball in hand. In the last 3 games we have seen more of the Kings attacking play, even though they received a hiding from 7 times Super Rugby Champions the Crusaders they did manage to score 2 tries. Its more in the last two games where we have seen what they can do with good ball. They came close to scoring 4 tries against the Hurricanes two weeks ago and pulled off a draw against the Brumbies last week by scoring 4 tries.
Captain Andries Strauss said: “There were a few crucial areas that we still need to work on, such as being aware of the space on the field, limiting the opponent’s space and getting used to the levels of pressure on the field, but these are things we can only learn on the field, through experience,”
“For many of the players this has been their first tour, and they have gained a lot of new experiences through the tour, both on and off the field,” he said.
Looking at the game this weekend he said: “The Rebels have come back very strong against the Western Force last week. Many people have written them off after they took a hiding in the game against the Sharks, but they are not to be underestimated,”
The Kings have a wonder opportunity to take the ultimate reward for a tour that could easily be labeled as one of character, guts, determination, courage and a never say die attitude.
Some might tip the Kings as being favourites going into their last game, but im sure Alan Solomons and his team would not mind keeping the underdog tag for this game.
Kickoff will be at 11:40 (SA time)
Southern Kings:
15 George Whitehead 14 Sergeal Petersen 13 Waylon Murray 12 Andries Strauss (c) 11 Ronnie Cooke 10 Demetri Catrakilis 9 Shaun Venter 8 Cornell du Preez 7 Wimpie van der Walt 6 Devin Oosthuizen 5 Rynier Bernardo 4 Steven Sykes (vc) 3 Grant Kemp 2 Hannes Franklin 1 Schalk Ferreira
Replacements:
16 Bandise Maku 17 Kevin Buys 18 David Bulbring 19 Jacques Engelbrecht 20 Nicolas Vergallo 21 Marcello Sampson 22 Siviwe Soyzwapi
Wednesday 10 April 2013
Watson making a welcoming return
Luke Watson will make a welcoming return to the playing field after a knock to the throat sidelined him in the Southern Kings first Super Rugby match against the Western Force in February. Watson left the field half way through the first half and has been out of action since, missing out on their over seas leg in their debut season.
Another player thats been sidelined with Watson is Darron Nell. Nell pulled out minutes before the kick off in the game against the Chiefs, when he sprained a muscle during warmup.
Both Watson and Nell will start for the EP Kings Vodacom Cup side against the SWD Eagles on Friday. Another player returning after missing last weeks win against the Cheetahs in Bloemfontein is Mpho Mbiyozo. Mbiyozo will also captain the side.
David Maidza, Vodacom Cup side Head coach, said it’s a great opportunity for them (Watson and Nell) to get some game time before the senior side comes back.
The Eastern Province Kings Vodacom Cup team that will take on the SWD Eagles at the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University’s B field at 3pm on Friday.
15 Scott van Breda 14 Siyanda Grey 13 Wayne Stevens (V/C) 12 Siyabonga Mangweni 11 Yamkela Ngam 10 Shane Gates 9 Scott Mathie 8 Luke Watson 7 Mpho Mbiyozo (C) 6 Paul Schoeman 5 Samora Fihlani 4 Darron Nell 3 Ross Geldenhuys 2 Boetie Britz 1 Leo Gqoboka
Replacements
16 Dane van der Westhuizen 17 Brendan Olivier 18 Stefan Willemse 19 Dalton Davis 20 Kayle van Zyl 21 Ntabeni Dukisa 22 Andile Jho
Another player thats been sidelined with Watson is Darron Nell. Nell pulled out minutes before the kick off in the game against the Chiefs, when he sprained a muscle during warmup.
Both Watson and Nell will start for the EP Kings Vodacom Cup side against the SWD Eagles on Friday. Another player returning after missing last weeks win against the Cheetahs in Bloemfontein is Mpho Mbiyozo. Mbiyozo will also captain the side.
David Maidza, Vodacom Cup side Head coach, said it’s a great opportunity for them (Watson and Nell) to get some game time before the senior side comes back.
The Eastern Province Kings Vodacom Cup team that will take on the SWD Eagles at the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University’s B field at 3pm on Friday.
15 Scott van Breda 14 Siyanda Grey 13 Wayne Stevens (V/C) 12 Siyabonga Mangweni 11 Yamkela Ngam 10 Shane Gates 9 Scott Mathie 8 Luke Watson 7 Mpho Mbiyozo (C) 6 Paul Schoeman 5 Samora Fihlani 4 Darron Nell 3 Ross Geldenhuys 2 Boetie Britz 1 Leo Gqoboka
Replacements
16 Dane van der Westhuizen 17 Brendan Olivier 18 Stefan Willemse 19 Dalton Davis 20 Kayle van Zyl 21 Ntabeni Dukisa 22 Andile Jho
Tuesday 9 April 2013
Some stats from the Brumbies game
The old saying goes "play until the final whistle", and that was exactly what the Southern Kings did against log leaders the Brumbies on Friday. They outscored the home team 4 tries to 2 with the bonus point try coming in the 82nd minute.
Brumbies coach, Jake White, said after the game, “I don’t think we played like that because we thought we were going to win, all week I’ve been saying that the only ones who are thinking like that are the media. It’s irrelevant to how we were thinking".
“They are a fairly typical South African side, very big forwards and a good quality goal kicker and we just gave them too many chances to come and get us."
Lets have a look at some of those chances.
The Kings managed to score 4 tries through Schalk Ferreira, Wimpie van der Walt and Cornell du Preez scoring the other two. George Whitehead missed 1 penalty but was successful with 3 conversions and Demetri Catrakilis converting the last try.
The Kings enjoyed 54% of the possession but only 40% of the territory, they only spend 1min19sec in the Brumbies 22, but had to defend for 4min32sec in their own 22.
The Kings won 6 scrums, 5 on their own feed and 1 from a Brumbies put in. They won 16 line outs, 12 from their own throw and 4 from the Brumbies, 1 Kings throw was not straight.
They managed 355 meters from 53 runs, compared to the Brumbies 622 meters from 107 runs. Most of the Kings runs came through tight forward play putting up phases. Cornell du Preez managed 65 meters from 7 runs and Jacques Engelbrecht 62 meters from 5 runs.
The Kings impressed yet again with their defense, making 166 tackles from 185 (90%) attempts. Wimpie van der Walt was leading the tackle column with 19 (95%), followed by Andries Stauss 18 (82%), du Preez 15 (94%), Waylon Murray 14 (88%), George Whitehead and Ferriera 13 (93% each) and Steven Sykes with 12 (100%).
Sykes and Engelbrecht forced 2 turnovers each and du Preez had 2 line breaks to add to his 2 tries.
The Kings are growing with every game, they starting to play and look more like a team that deserves to be in Super Rugby rather than a team that got in through a hand out. Like Alan Solomons said, “The thing about us is that we’re not a team of stars, we’re a star team,”
Brumbies coach, Jake White, said after the game, “I don’t think we played like that because we thought we were going to win, all week I’ve been saying that the only ones who are thinking like that are the media. It’s irrelevant to how we were thinking".
“They are a fairly typical South African side, very big forwards and a good quality goal kicker and we just gave them too many chances to come and get us."
Lets have a look at some of those chances.
The Kings managed to score 4 tries through Schalk Ferreira, Wimpie van der Walt and Cornell du Preez scoring the other two. George Whitehead missed 1 penalty but was successful with 3 conversions and Demetri Catrakilis converting the last try.
The Kings enjoyed 54% of the possession but only 40% of the territory, they only spend 1min19sec in the Brumbies 22, but had to defend for 4min32sec in their own 22.
The Kings won 6 scrums, 5 on their own feed and 1 from a Brumbies put in. They won 16 line outs, 12 from their own throw and 4 from the Brumbies, 1 Kings throw was not straight.
They managed 355 meters from 53 runs, compared to the Brumbies 622 meters from 107 runs. Most of the Kings runs came through tight forward play putting up phases. Cornell du Preez managed 65 meters from 7 runs and Jacques Engelbrecht 62 meters from 5 runs.
The Kings impressed yet again with their defense, making 166 tackles from 185 (90%) attempts. Wimpie van der Walt was leading the tackle column with 19 (95%), followed by Andries Stauss 18 (82%), du Preez 15 (94%), Waylon Murray 14 (88%), George Whitehead and Ferriera 13 (93% each) and Steven Sykes with 12 (100%).
Sykes and Engelbrecht forced 2 turnovers each and du Preez had 2 line breaks to add to his 2 tries.
The Kings are growing with every game, they starting to play and look more like a team that deserves to be in Super Rugby rather than a team that got in through a hand out. Like Alan Solomons said, “The thing about us is that we’re not a team of stars, we’re a star team,”
Saturday 6 April 2013
Kings showed character, courage and commitment
The Southern Kings went beyond the call of duty when they dished up an 82 minute performance against the table topping Australian side the Brumbies on Friday. The Kings scored their bonus point try in the 82nd minute of the game to give them a well deserved draw and 3 log points for their troubles.
Southern Kings Head Coach, Matt Sexton, said: "We’re really happy with the three points. We went out there to match their physicality and make sure that we stop their momentum because they’re a very dangerous side and we did that, we ticked those boxes well and truly,”
Sexton said he was very impressed by the character shown by the side and their ability to play 80 minutes.
Sexton also said the fact that the Kings only had 37% of the possession and were down to 14 men in the 67th minute when Schalk Ferreira was sin binned, shows the heart of the team, their defense and conditioning.
“It’s a massive testament to what the conditioning staff have done over the off season. The strain you get put under when you’re a man down at that late stage, and the guys were still fine. They’re a fit side and they have worked really hard over the off season to get that done, then coupled with some massive defence,” he said.
He also praised Siviwe "Shakes" Soyizwapi for the work he did. Shakes joined the team in Australia after Hadleigh Parkes broke his arm in last weeks game against the Hurricanes but when Elric van Vuuren sprained his ankle during the Captains Run he moved into the starting 15 after there were some doubts over Demetri Catrakilis' knee which forced George Whitehead to move to 10 and gave Shakes a start at 15.
“We had some late changes to things and Shakes came on and played admirably. He was fresh of the plane for us this week so he hasn’t had time to really find his feet, but despite that he played really well,” he said.
Sexton also commended Wimpie van der Walt, whose performance on the field secured him the title of Man of the Match.
“Wimpie had a huge game he inserted himself into a lot of mid sections of Brumbies players tonight and they will all be going off licking their wounds,” he said.
Southern Kings Director of Rugby, Alan Solomons said he was extremely proud of the team and what they had accomplished.
“The thing about us is that we’re not a team of stars, we’re a star team,” he said.
“The identity of the team is character, courage and commitment and that has been built on the back of a potent conditioning and potent defence. The cornerstone of our game is our conditioning and defense,” he said.
Solomons said all credit had to go to the players, who had put on an incredible performance, despite a few mistakes.
“We made mistakes, our discipline was poor and gave away too many key penalties, one of which resulted in a try. Our kick execution from exiting our own half was poor between our tryline and 10m line, and catching the half way kickoffs was poor, which put us under a lot of stress,” he said.
Looking forward to the Rebels game next weekend in Melbourne, Solomons said they were thankful for the eight day turn around, and would not be underestimating the Rebels.
"We are certainly not taking them forgranted. They are a desperate side that is desperate to get their competition back on track and we know it is going to be a tough game”.
Southern Kings Head Coach, Matt Sexton, said: "We’re really happy with the three points. We went out there to match their physicality and make sure that we stop their momentum because they’re a very dangerous side and we did that, we ticked those boxes well and truly,”
Sexton said he was very impressed by the character shown by the side and their ability to play 80 minutes.
Sexton also said the fact that the Kings only had 37% of the possession and were down to 14 men in the 67th minute when Schalk Ferreira was sin binned, shows the heart of the team, their defense and conditioning.
“It’s a massive testament to what the conditioning staff have done over the off season. The strain you get put under when you’re a man down at that late stage, and the guys were still fine. They’re a fit side and they have worked really hard over the off season to get that done, then coupled with some massive defence,” he said.
He also praised Siviwe "Shakes" Soyizwapi for the work he did. Shakes joined the team in Australia after Hadleigh Parkes broke his arm in last weeks game against the Hurricanes but when Elric van Vuuren sprained his ankle during the Captains Run he moved into the starting 15 after there were some doubts over Demetri Catrakilis' knee which forced George Whitehead to move to 10 and gave Shakes a start at 15.
“We had some late changes to things and Shakes came on and played admirably. He was fresh of the plane for us this week so he hasn’t had time to really find his feet, but despite that he played really well,” he said.
Sexton also commended Wimpie van der Walt, whose performance on the field secured him the title of Man of the Match.
“Wimpie had a huge game he inserted himself into a lot of mid sections of Brumbies players tonight and they will all be going off licking their wounds,” he said.
Southern Kings Director of Rugby, Alan Solomons said he was extremely proud of the team and what they had accomplished.
“The thing about us is that we’re not a team of stars, we’re a star team,” he said.
“The identity of the team is character, courage and commitment and that has been built on the back of a potent conditioning and potent defence. The cornerstone of our game is our conditioning and defense,” he said.
Solomons said all credit had to go to the players, who had put on an incredible performance, despite a few mistakes.
“We made mistakes, our discipline was poor and gave away too many key penalties, one of which resulted in a try. Our kick execution from exiting our own half was poor between our tryline and 10m line, and catching the half way kickoffs was poor, which put us under a lot of stress,” he said.
Looking forward to the Rebels game next weekend in Melbourne, Solomons said they were thankful for the eight day turn around, and would not be underestimating the Rebels.
"We are certainly not taking them forgranted. They are a desperate side that is desperate to get their competition back on track and we know it is going to be a tough game”.
Wednesday 3 April 2013
Kings make changes for Brumbies
The Kings have made some wholesale changes for their opener in Australia. The Kings will play their 3rd match on tour against the Brumbies who return home from their South African leg of the tour.
The main changes will be Waylon Murray coming in for Ronnie Cooke who moves to the wing. Marcello Sampson will slot in on the bench after missing last weeks game against the Hurricanes due to a bruised heal.
Nicolas Vergallo will start at no 9 with Shaun Venter moving to the bench after bruising his ankle against the Hurricanes.
Hannes Franklin who returned last week after his injury will replace Bankise Maku who moves over to the bench.
Grant Kemp starts ahead of Kevin Buys at no 3 and David Bulbring makes way for Rynier Bernardo. Cornel du Preez also returns to the starting 15 after his hamstring injury with Jacques Engebrecht moving to the bench.
Southern Kings:
15. George Whitehead 14. Sergeal Petersen 13. Waylon Murray 12. Andries Strauss (C) 11. Ronnie Cooke 10. Demetri Catrakilis 9. Nicolas Vergallo 8. Cornell du Preez 7. Wimpie van der Walt 6. Devin Oosthuizen 5. Reynier Bernardo 4. Steven Sykes (VC) 3. Grant Kemp 2. Hannes Franklin 1. Schalk Ferreira
Replacements:
16. Bandise Maku 17. Kevin Buys 18. David Bulbring 19. Jacques Engelbrecht 20. Shaun Venter 21. Marcello Sampson 22. Elric van Vuuren
The main changes will be Waylon Murray coming in for Ronnie Cooke who moves to the wing. Marcello Sampson will slot in on the bench after missing last weeks game against the Hurricanes due to a bruised heal.
Nicolas Vergallo will start at no 9 with Shaun Venter moving to the bench after bruising his ankle against the Hurricanes.
Hannes Franklin who returned last week after his injury will replace Bankise Maku who moves over to the bench.
Grant Kemp starts ahead of Kevin Buys at no 3 and David Bulbring makes way for Rynier Bernardo. Cornel du Preez also returns to the starting 15 after his hamstring injury with Jacques Engebrecht moving to the bench.
Southern Kings:
15. George Whitehead 14. Sergeal Petersen 13. Waylon Murray 12. Andries Strauss (C) 11. Ronnie Cooke 10. Demetri Catrakilis 9. Nicolas Vergallo 8. Cornell du Preez 7. Wimpie van der Walt 6. Devin Oosthuizen 5. Reynier Bernardo 4. Steven Sykes (VC) 3. Grant Kemp 2. Hannes Franklin 1. Schalk Ferreira
Replacements:
16. Bandise Maku 17. Kevin Buys 18. David Bulbring 19. Jacques Engelbrecht 20. Shaun Venter 21. Marcello Sampson 22. Elric van Vuuren
Tuesday 2 April 2013
Kings stats against Hurricanes
The Southern Kings played the Hurricanes in a round 7 Super Rugby match in Wellington on Saturday. The Hurricanes won comfortably in the end, 46 - 30, but some of the stats will show that the Canes had to work hard for the win.
It took the Hurricanes only 3 minutes to score their first try, they went on to score a further 5, Kings replied with 3 tries of their own. Demetri Catrakilis was successful with 5 from 6 kicks to goal. Canes conceded more penalties then the Kings 11 to 8 and also conceded 1 free kick.
The Hurricanes enjoyed 53% of the possession and 52% of the territory. Its a pity the Kings could not do more with their time in the Canes 22, they spend 3min20sec compared to 2min44sec in their own 22.
The Kings need to work on getting more quick ball from the ruck and mauls, from their 84 they only managed 2 quick balls and 14 slow balls, by that time the defense are already organised and waiting. They managed to get the basics right by winning all 6 of their scrums, won 10 line outs with 1 steal, but unfortunately 2 throws count against them in being not straight.
The Kings managed 91 runs compared to the Canes 90, but they managed more meters, 634 to the Kings 444 meters. The Kings also pushed the Canes to make more tackles 149 to the Kings 138, but the Kings missed 25 to the Canes 11, giving the Kings an 80% effective rate. Both teams managed to force 20 turnovers.
Its not the first time that we see Wimpie van der Walt's name in the most tackles column. He made 20 followed by Andries Stauss 15 and Devin Oosthuizen with 10. Jacques Engelbrecht made the most runs for the Kings, 13 and gaining 77 meters followed by Waylon Murray with 8 runs and 52 meters.
Steven Sykes, Ronnie Cooke and Hannes Franklin all managed one line break. Engelbrecht was leading the ruck and maul count with 12, followed by his two loosies van der Walt and Oosthuizen with 7 each.
Some of the stats shows the Hurricanes conceded more penalties, they had to make more tackles, Kings had more runs and spend more time in the Canes 22, which is all encouraging to see from a Kings point of view. But as we all know rugby is not about who won the stats count after the game, but which team makes most of his opportunities on the field.
It took the Hurricanes only 3 minutes to score their first try, they went on to score a further 5, Kings replied with 3 tries of their own. Demetri Catrakilis was successful with 5 from 6 kicks to goal. Canes conceded more penalties then the Kings 11 to 8 and also conceded 1 free kick.
The Hurricanes enjoyed 53% of the possession and 52% of the territory. Its a pity the Kings could not do more with their time in the Canes 22, they spend 3min20sec compared to 2min44sec in their own 22.
The Kings need to work on getting more quick ball from the ruck and mauls, from their 84 they only managed 2 quick balls and 14 slow balls, by that time the defense are already organised and waiting. They managed to get the basics right by winning all 6 of their scrums, won 10 line outs with 1 steal, but unfortunately 2 throws count against them in being not straight.
The Kings managed 91 runs compared to the Canes 90, but they managed more meters, 634 to the Kings 444 meters. The Kings also pushed the Canes to make more tackles 149 to the Kings 138, but the Kings missed 25 to the Canes 11, giving the Kings an 80% effective rate. Both teams managed to force 20 turnovers.
Its not the first time that we see Wimpie van der Walt's name in the most tackles column. He made 20 followed by Andries Stauss 15 and Devin Oosthuizen with 10. Jacques Engelbrecht made the most runs for the Kings, 13 and gaining 77 meters followed by Waylon Murray with 8 runs and 52 meters.
Steven Sykes, Ronnie Cooke and Hannes Franklin all managed one line break. Engelbrecht was leading the ruck and maul count with 12, followed by his two loosies van der Walt and Oosthuizen with 7 each.
Some of the stats shows the Hurricanes conceded more penalties, they had to make more tackles, Kings had more runs and spend more time in the Canes 22, which is all encouraging to see from a Kings point of view. But as we all know rugby is not about who won the stats count after the game, but which team makes most of his opportunities on the field.
Despatch Cell C Community Cup Champions
This past Saturday GAP Despatch faced Jonsson College Rovers in the final of the Cell C Community Cup at Outeniqua Park in George. It was a fitting final for these two side as they also played the opening game when the tournament started on the 16th of February.
Despatch lost their opening game against College Rovers 38 - 17 in Durban. Their second match was a comfortable win against Villagers Worchester 67 - 23. Sishen was up next, but again Despatch was on the winning side, 30 - 20. Their last group match was a close game against SK Walmers in Cape Town but Despatch still came out on top, final score 37 - 32.
In their Quarter Final match they were up against Pretoria Police, but Despatch had one goal in mind and that was to play in the final. Despatch went through to the Semi Final after beating Police 33 - 25. In the Semi Final Rustenburg Impalas almost spoil their plans, but a drop goal secured a win and a final for Despatch after beating Impalas by a single point 21 - 20.
Not only was the final a special occasion for the players but there were also 3 ex Springboks involved, former team mates now on opposite ends of the field. Adri Geldenhuys and Danie Gerber in the colours of Despatch and Robert du Preez on the side of College Rovers.
It is however not the first time Gerber and du Preez faced each other in a Club Champs final. The two played on opposites sides 25 years ago, also the last time Despatch won the Club Champs. On that day Despatch held on to a 13 - 12 win over Tukkies.
This time Gerber's Despatch played against College Rovers, the team that beat them comfortably in their opener in Durban. The final was however played on a neutral field and it was a much closer affair. It was up to a Monty Dumond penalty after 79 minutes of rugby to determine a winner, final score 26 - 24 to men from the Eastern Cape.
Before the start of the season Despatch no8 Jaco Swanepoel told me this tournament will bring new life to club rugby, and they will get the opportunity to play against the best in the country. Little did he know that by the end of the tournament they (Despatch) will be the best in the country.
Swanepoel who also scored a try in the final told me that nothing can replace the feeling of knowing that you are the no 1 club side in the country.
Well done Despatch.
Despatch lost their opening game against College Rovers 38 - 17 in Durban. Their second match was a comfortable win against Villagers Worchester 67 - 23. Sishen was up next, but again Despatch was on the winning side, 30 - 20. Their last group match was a close game against SK Walmers in Cape Town but Despatch still came out on top, final score 37 - 32.
In their Quarter Final match they were up against Pretoria Police, but Despatch had one goal in mind and that was to play in the final. Despatch went through to the Semi Final after beating Police 33 - 25. In the Semi Final Rustenburg Impalas almost spoil their plans, but a drop goal secured a win and a final for Despatch after beating Impalas by a single point 21 - 20.
Not only was the final a special occasion for the players but there were also 3 ex Springboks involved, former team mates now on opposite ends of the field. Adri Geldenhuys and Danie Gerber in the colours of Despatch and Robert du Preez on the side of College Rovers.
It is however not the first time Gerber and du Preez faced each other in a Club Champs final. The two played on opposites sides 25 years ago, also the last time Despatch won the Club Champs. On that day Despatch held on to a 13 - 12 win over Tukkies.
This time Gerber's Despatch played against College Rovers, the team that beat them comfortably in their opener in Durban. The final was however played on a neutral field and it was a much closer affair. It was up to a Monty Dumond penalty after 79 minutes of rugby to determine a winner, final score 26 - 24 to men from the Eastern Cape.
Before the start of the season Despatch no8 Jaco Swanepoel told me this tournament will bring new life to club rugby, and they will get the opportunity to play against the best in the country. Little did he know that by the end of the tournament they (Despatch) will be the best in the country.
Swanepoel who also scored a try in the final told me that nothing can replace the feeling of knowing that you are the no 1 club side in the country.
Well done Despatch.
Monday 1 April 2013
Kings showed grit and determination
The Southern Kings went down 30 - 46 against the Hurricanes this past Saturday in Wellington. It took the Kings about 20 minutes to get in the game, but unfortunately by then they were already playing catch up.
The Kings however did put up a brave fight till the end, and can feel extremely unhappy about not scoring that forth bonus point try or coming within 7 points. At one stage they came within 6 points, but the Hurricanes snatched a ball in flight to score under the Kings poles that could so easily have been a try at the other end.
Southern Kings Director of Rugby, Alan Solomons, said the team had lacked a bit of focus in the first twenty minutes of the game, and had been a bit outmuscled.
“In the first 20 minutes we didn’t start well. We made mistakes and gave away penalties which resulted in them scoring tries,” he said.
“They outmuscled us a bit especially in those opening 20 minutes and they got a bit of a jump on us.
“I think we then started settling into the game and it’s a pity that we gave away that try just before half time, which put us a little on the back foot. We then fought back with a much better performance in the second half.”
“We were very close to them at one point, there was like a six point difference between the two teams,” said Solomons.
Head coach Matt Sexton said the team had a much better second half, they went out after the half time break and put some pressure on the Hurricanes. The team continues to grow from week to week.
“We did have good periods but we just have to put those together,” he said.
Solomons said the team had continued to show grit and determination on the field.
“The message I had to the players was that they have to keep working at it. Keep working hard and keep at it and it will eventually be rewarded. I think we were unfortunate to have not come away with at least one if not two bonus points,” he said.
“I think the biggest thing for us, and I have been hammering the side for this. Every one of the Hurricanes tries comes through either an error or penalties, and what we have to understand is that if you make a mistake and give away a penalty, you will get hammered at this level. We have to cut our error rate, it is absolutely vital,” said Solomons.
The Kings however did put up a brave fight till the end, and can feel extremely unhappy about not scoring that forth bonus point try or coming within 7 points. At one stage they came within 6 points, but the Hurricanes snatched a ball in flight to score under the Kings poles that could so easily have been a try at the other end.
Southern Kings Director of Rugby, Alan Solomons, said the team had lacked a bit of focus in the first twenty minutes of the game, and had been a bit outmuscled.
“In the first 20 minutes we didn’t start well. We made mistakes and gave away penalties which resulted in them scoring tries,” he said.
“They outmuscled us a bit especially in those opening 20 minutes and they got a bit of a jump on us.
“I think we then started settling into the game and it’s a pity that we gave away that try just before half time, which put us a little on the back foot. We then fought back with a much better performance in the second half.”
“We were very close to them at one point, there was like a six point difference between the two teams,” said Solomons.
Head coach Matt Sexton said the team had a much better second half, they went out after the half time break and put some pressure on the Hurricanes. The team continues to grow from week to week.
“We did have good periods but we just have to put those together,” he said.
Solomons said the team had continued to show grit and determination on the field.
“The message I had to the players was that they have to keep working at it. Keep working hard and keep at it and it will eventually be rewarded. I think we were unfortunate to have not come away with at least one if not two bonus points,” he said.
“I think the biggest thing for us, and I have been hammering the side for this. Every one of the Hurricanes tries comes through either an error or penalties, and what we have to understand is that if you make a mistake and give away a penalty, you will get hammered at this level. We have to cut our error rate, it is absolutely vital,” said Solomons.
Siviwe Soyizwapi to "Shake(s)" things up in Australia
Siviwe “Shakes” Soyizwapi has been called up to the Southern Kings touring squad following the injury to Hadleigh Parkes. I shall not dwell on the injury situation, but rather a positive step that the Kings have taken
A bit of information on the promising 20 year old born and bred Eastern Cape youngster. Shakes Soyizwapi was educated at one of the region’s school rugby powerhouses, Dale College. He boast an impressive schoolboy record, he represented the Dale College 1st XV, affectionately known as “Amadoda”, for 2 years in 2010 and 2011. He was selected at fullback in a very impressive u18 Border Academy team in 2010, a number of eye-catching performances resulted in him being selected for the SA u18 High Performance squad, a squad from which no less than 5 players have gone on to play on the Super Rugby stage, Johan Goosen (Cheetahs), Etienne Oosthuizen (Brumbies), Paul Jordaan (Sharks), Ruan Botha (Lions) and Steven Kitshoff (Stormers).
Shakes matriculated at Dale in 2011 after yet another impressive season with the Dale 1st XV. He moved to PE to join the Kings Academy in 2012 and he continued his steady rise through the ranks, once again a standout in an impressive EP Kings u21 side in the Currie Cup B Division which was unlucky not to earn promotion to the A Division. He eventually earned his 1st senior cap for the Kings in the 2nd leg of the Currie Cup promotion relegation match starting on the left wing. He began 2013 as part of the Southern Kings’ Extended Super Rugby squad, he’s been on the fringes of the squad and has been playing for the Vodacom Cup side for the past few weeks.
I’ve been lucky enough to follow Soyizwapi’s progress for the last 4 odd years. He’s an impressive fullback, gifted with the ability to make something out of nothing, he’s fantastic on the counter attack and very dangerous when joining the line using a combination of good stepping, deceptive pace and a wonderful body swerve. He’s also strong on his feet and thrives when given space. He’s no slouch defensively either and perhaps the only real weakness of his game is his kicking, such is his ability with ball in hand that it seldom is necessary, but am sure it’s an aspect he’ll be working on rectifying.
I highlighted that this was primarily about a positive step the Kings have taken. Shakes covers two areas for which the Kings have under scrutiny for in recent times with regards to the Super Rugby squad. The Kings were always about bringing about transformation and also about promoting local talent on the big stage. Shakes a black youngster who as I have already mentioned is a born and bred EC player has come through the Kings Academy. I think this will go a long way in assuring the detractors that the Kings plan on achieving their objectives. It is worth noting that he hasn’t made his debut yet and should he play on the tour he’ll only be the 3rd player to represent the Kings who has come through the Academy. A small number, but it is a work in progress and many will come through in the future.
I’m sure all in the Kings fraternity join me in wishing Shakes Soziwapi the best of luck in Australia, hopefully he’ll get some time on the field before they head home depending on the coaches’ plans and fitness of some of the players. I hope to be able to catch up with him later on in the week after he’s settled in with rest of the squad for his thoughts with the call up.
Ludumo Nkabi (Ludz)
A bit of information on the promising 20 year old born and bred Eastern Cape youngster. Shakes Soyizwapi was educated at one of the region’s school rugby powerhouses, Dale College. He boast an impressive schoolboy record, he represented the Dale College 1st XV, affectionately known as “Amadoda”, for 2 years in 2010 and 2011. He was selected at fullback in a very impressive u18 Border Academy team in 2010, a number of eye-catching performances resulted in him being selected for the SA u18 High Performance squad, a squad from which no less than 5 players have gone on to play on the Super Rugby stage, Johan Goosen (Cheetahs), Etienne Oosthuizen (Brumbies), Paul Jordaan (Sharks), Ruan Botha (Lions) and Steven Kitshoff (Stormers).
Shakes matriculated at Dale in 2011 after yet another impressive season with the Dale 1st XV. He moved to PE to join the Kings Academy in 2012 and he continued his steady rise through the ranks, once again a standout in an impressive EP Kings u21 side in the Currie Cup B Division which was unlucky not to earn promotion to the A Division. He eventually earned his 1st senior cap for the Kings in the 2nd leg of the Currie Cup promotion relegation match starting on the left wing. He began 2013 as part of the Southern Kings’ Extended Super Rugby squad, he’s been on the fringes of the squad and has been playing for the Vodacom Cup side for the past few weeks.
I’ve been lucky enough to follow Soyizwapi’s progress for the last 4 odd years. He’s an impressive fullback, gifted with the ability to make something out of nothing, he’s fantastic on the counter attack and very dangerous when joining the line using a combination of good stepping, deceptive pace and a wonderful body swerve. He’s also strong on his feet and thrives when given space. He’s no slouch defensively either and perhaps the only real weakness of his game is his kicking, such is his ability with ball in hand that it seldom is necessary, but am sure it’s an aspect he’ll be working on rectifying.
I highlighted that this was primarily about a positive step the Kings have taken. Shakes covers two areas for which the Kings have under scrutiny for in recent times with regards to the Super Rugby squad. The Kings were always about bringing about transformation and also about promoting local talent on the big stage. Shakes a black youngster who as I have already mentioned is a born and bred EC player has come through the Kings Academy. I think this will go a long way in assuring the detractors that the Kings plan on achieving their objectives. It is worth noting that he hasn’t made his debut yet and should he play on the tour he’ll only be the 3rd player to represent the Kings who has come through the Academy. A small number, but it is a work in progress and many will come through in the future.
I’m sure all in the Kings fraternity join me in wishing Shakes Soziwapi the best of luck in Australia, hopefully he’ll get some time on the field before they head home depending on the coaches’ plans and fitness of some of the players. I hope to be able to catch up with him later on in the week after he’s settled in with rest of the squad for his thoughts with the call up.
Ludumo Nkabi (Ludz)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)