Robbi Kempson’s men successfully defended the u21 B Division title last week against Boland u21s at the Mbombela Stadium in Nelspruit. The men from Port Elizabeth didn’t have it all their way despite the score line of 59-19 reflecting a rather one sided affair.
The Kings struggled in the 1st half only leading 15-9 at the half way stage, they hit their straps in the 2nd half and produced a good showing, Kuhle Sonkosi particularly a prominent figure, the big man was tireless and would’ve reflected back on a good game. A number of the u21 lads will know what is expected having played here last year and lost narrowly in the same promotion game, the Kings lost 21-15 in a mud bath where the conditions were terrible and not condusive to the Kings game plan on the day.
Robbi Kempson named a strong side with a few changes for the important game. The forward pack is reshuffled for the game, Vukile Sofisa shifts back to loosehead prop following an ankle injury to Brendan Olivier last week. Dane will continue to captain the side from the middle of the front row at hooker. Pieter Stemmet comes back into the starting XV after a few weeks on the bench, he’ll start at tighthead. Kuhle Sonkosi is at 4 in the enforcer role and will be combining with Stefan Willemse who comes in for his 1st appearance of the season for the u21s. Willemse is an impressive physical specimen who will bring good height and bulk to the 2nd row; the former Paarl Gymnasium scholar had a very good season with the senior side and will look to bring good experience in the u21 side. Wayvern Smith is retained at openside flank while Claude Tshibidi will scrum down on the blindside flank, Kevin Kaba gets an opportunity to show what he can do at 8 in Aidon Davis’ absence after a knee injury in last week. The Queen’s College old boy played most of his final year at school in the no.8 jersey and will look to put in an impressive performance.
Dane, Wayvern, Vukile and Kuhle all played in last year’s promo-relegation game.
The backline has fewer changes with Ace Jho coming in on the left wing for Sphu Msutwana whose problematic hamstring has caught up with him again. The rest of the backline is unchanged with Ivan Ludick and Ruan Allerston continuing as the halfback pairing. Shane Gates will play at inside centre and his experience will be very important in a game of such importance, he links up with Marlou van Niekerk in the centres to form a very good centre pairing. Jho is joined by constant figures in the no.14 and no.15 jerseys in Eben Barnard and Shakes Soyizwapi respectively. This forms a very potent back 3 boasting pace, flair, power and guile and should prove a handful for any side to look after.
Shakes, Eben, Marlou all played in last year’s promo-relegation game.
The bench sees the return of Encoh Mnyaka to the 22 who hasn’t played since the early rounds to cover prop, the big front rower had an impressive start to his Kings career having already tasted senior action this season. Ruan Roberts cover the hooker from the bench. Brendan Hector also comes in for Stefan Zaayman who had to have stitches after coming off the bench last week in the final. Siphesihle Punguzwa is covering the loose forwards. Magic Majola who had a good cameo off the bench last week will continue to provide cover for scrumhalf, Gavin Hauptfleisch is covering 10 from the bench while young Jaco Bernardo (younger brother of Kings Super Rugby lock, Rynier Bernardo) comes into the match day 22 for the 1st time, the former Framesby inside centre will look to make an impact off the bench on his debut.
Good luck to Robbi, Stick and the lads, last year we fell at the final hurdle, let’s leap over this one with aplomb, best of luck #KingsArmy
Kings u21:
15: Siviwe Soyizwapi (Dale College)
14: Eben Barnard (Brandwag)
13: Marlou van Niekerk (Marlow Landbou)
12: Shane Gates (Muir College)
11: Andile Jho (Dale College)
10: Ruan Allerston (Port Natal)
09: Ivan Ludick (Oakdale Landbou)
08: Kevin Kaba (Queen’s College)
07: Claude Tshibidi (Potch Boys’ High School)
06: Wayvern Smith (Brandwag)
05: Stefan Willemse (Paarl Gymnasium) 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: Ruan Roberts (Daniel Pienaar)
17: Enoch Mnyaka (Dale College)
18: Brendan Hector (Union High School) 19: Siphesihle Punguzwa (Selborne College)
20: Sonwabo Majola (Muir College)
21: Gavin Hauptfleisch (Boishaai)
22: Jaco Bernardo (Framesby High School)
HEAD COACH: Robbie Kempson ASSISTANT COACH: Mzwandile Stick
Ludumo Nkabi - follow on twitter @ludz19
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