EP Kings to face Cheetahs

EP Kings head coach Carlos Spencer has made wholesale changes to his team to face the Free State Cheetahs in their final warm up game in Cradock on Friday.

Spencer said Luke Watson will once again captain the side, having returned after sitting out the game against the SWD Eagles in George due to a rib injury.

In comparison to the SWD Eagles game, Spencer has named eight new players in the starting line up and four more have received a starting position after being called up from the bench.

Lizo Gqoboka is the only player to retain his spot in the team at loosehead prop. He is accompanied up front by Michael van Vuuren, who returns to hooker in place of Edgar Marutlulle and Tom Botha at tighthead in place of Charl du Plessis.  Both Marutlulle and Du Plessis move to the bench.

Steven Sykes returns at number 4 Lock, with David Bullbring moving to the opposite side at no 5 in place of Steven Cummins who moves to the bench.

The loose trio will consist of Thembelani Bholi, who returns to blindside flank in place of Paul Schoeman who moves to the bench, Shaun McDonald at openside flank in place of Stefan Willemse who also moves to the bench and Luke Watson who comes on in place of Aidon Davis.

Tobie Botes returns at scrumhalf in place of Jaco Grobler, who is benched, with George Whitehead rotating with Gary van Aswegen at flyhalf.

Siviwe ‘Shakes” Soyizwapi returns to the squad at left wing, while Sergeal Petersen moves across to right wing.

Shane Gates comes on at inside centre for Dwane Jenner, while Ronnie Cooke returns at outside centre in place of Tim Whitehead who moves to the bench.

Scott van Breda takes up his familiar spot at fullback, in place of Ntabeni Dukisa, who also moves onto the bench for Friday’s game.

The only other change on the bench was the inclusion of CJ van de Linde, who along with KevinLuiters make up the 26 man team travelling to Cradock.

Spencer said that Paul Perez was the only player who was not available for selection due to injury, as he had injured his knee during practice on Friday.

“We don’t know the extent of the injury as yet, as he has only gone for scans today, but we remain positive and hopefully he will come through the scan okay and it’s just a niggle,” said Spencer.

Spencer said Siyanda Grey had also not been available for selection, as he had requested leave to attend a family funeral.

Spencer said the mood in the camp was positive as the end of the pre-season drew near.

“We have had a tough week of training last week and it has been a long five months for some in terms of workload. We have put the hard work in and now it’s all about the business end of the season that starts next Friday night.”

“The guys are really looking forward to it, but we’ll get this week out of the way first, and then worry about Currie Cup next week,” he said.

Spencer said he had not yet seen the team for the Cheetahs, but was expecting a tough match in Cradock. 

The game will take place at the Cradock Sports Stadium and will kick off at 3pm. Tickets will be available at the gate at R20 for adults and R10 for Scholars.

EP Kings:

1 Lizo Gqoboka 2 Michael van Vuuren 3 Tom Botha 4 Steven Sykes 5 David Bulbring 6 Thembelani Bholi 7 Shaun McDonald 8 Luke Watson (c) 9 Tobie Botes 10 George Whithead 11 Siviwe Soyizwapi 12 Shane Gates 13 Ronnie Cooke 14 Sergeal Petersen 15 Scott van Breda

Reserves: 

16 Edgar Marutlulle 17 CJ van der Linde 18 Charl du Plessis 19 Paul Schoeman 20 Stefan Willemse 21 Steven Cummins 22 Kevin Luiters 23 Jaco Grobler 24 Gary van Aswegen 25 Tim Whitehead 26 Ntabeni Dukisa

Want to meet a King?

The EP Kings team will be meeting their supporters at an open day being held in association with the Kings Army and Future Kings at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium tomorrow between 9.30am and 12 noon.

The day, which is being hosted by the Kings Army, will include the players doing some coaching sessions with the older players from the Future Kings.

“It’s an open day, the kids will be on the field playing touch and tag rugby with the players assisting and mingling with the families and supporters,” said Kings Army chairman, Derrick Spies.

Spies said there would be chips and cooldrinks available for the supporters at the field.

“For those who are torn between coming down or watching the semi-final between the Sharks and Crusaders, the game will be shown on a big screen at the Kings Den at the EP Rugby offices and cash bar facilities will also be available,” he said.

“There is no admission fee and we encourage anyone who would like to come and meet the Kings players before their official Currie Cup season starts to come down to the stadium and pop in,” he said.

Good news for club rugby

The Eastern Province Rugby Referees Society will return to adjudicating Eastern Province Rugby Union club matches from today, after EPRU cancelled all club games last weekend over the poor treatment of referees.

Eastern Province Rugby Union President, Cheeky Watson, confirmed that he had met with the referees last week to address their concerns.

“EPRU has made it clear that the type of behaviour towards referees that has been displayed of late is simply unacceptable and the maximum penalties will be imposed against the clubs should this behaviour continue,” said Watson.

Watson said the clubs had been instructed that, going forward, whenever a club hosts a home game, the hosting club will be responsible for appointing four officials to meet the referee at his mode of transport.

“These four officials will be mandated with the task of being the custodians of the referee until such time as he leaves the premises.”

“Further the club shall also ensure that the referee’s mode of transport will be protected at all times, from his arrival until his departure,” he said.

Watson said these procedures would be in place with immediate effect going forward, and any referee officiating at a club match should be treated in this manner.

“Clubs have also been reminded that they have an important role to play in educating their members and their supporters about proper conduct during a game,” he said.

Kings appoint new kicking coach

The Eastern Province Kings have signed Henning van der Merwe as their new kicking coach.

EP Rugby CEO, Charl Crous, confirmed that Van der Merwe, 28, had been signed until the end of the 2017 season.

“Henning comes with a great track record, having coached highly competitive rugby teams for Currie Cup, Varsity Cup and Club championships,” he said.

Van der Merwe joined the Kings from the Leopards Rugby Union, where he had been kicking coach for their senior and junior teams since last year. He was also kicking coach for the North WestUniversity’s Potchefstroom Campus, where he trained, among others, the NWU Pukke Varsity Cup team.

Van der Merwe has also served as a kicking coach consultant for Boland and has presented a number of kicking clinics with the likes of Vlok Cilliers, Braam van Straaten and Louis Koen.

Van der Merwe, who started work at the Kings on Monday said he was looking forward to working with the Kings players and to building towards Super Rugby in 2016.

“I must say that the setup here is very professional and everyone knows what he has to do. You can see that structures are in place and there a sense of things happening,” he said.

Henning said his primary focus for the upcoming Currie Cup would be to work on the players timing and building their confidence under pressure.

Eastern Province u19 to face Free State

There are six changes including a position swop in the starting line up of the Eastern Province U19 team that will face the Free State U19s in Durban on Saturday at 12 noon.

Head Coach, Mzwandile Stick, said the changes made had been tactical, rather than motivated by injury.

“At the moment the only player who is out with injury is Chris Whitting,” he said.

Stick said he had made the decision to rest some players who were not on form, while giving others the opportunity to start.

Up front Dave Murray and JP Jaimeson are joined by James Beyl, who comes up off the bench for Whitting. Wynand Grassmann and Sintu Manjezi retain their positions to make up the tight five. They are joined by the loose trio of CJ Velleman, Tyler Paul and Elandre van der Merwe, who comes up from the bench to replace Mihlali Nchukana at eighth man.

Kewan Gibb comes in at scrumhalf for Jason Vers, who moves to the bench, with Jason Baggot moving from scrumhalf to flyhalf.

“Baggot is a great defender and has a solid pass, so we thought we would give him a chance at flyhalf and see how it goes,” said Stick.

On the wings are Lindelwe Zungu and Yamkela Nyalambisa, with Luan Nieuwoudt and Dylan Peterson at inside and outside centre respectively. Malcolm Jaer once again comes on as fullback.

Stick said Dylan, who has joined the U19 from the Sharks Academy, had been training with the squad and was looking forward to his first game.

“We have been playing well, if you look at the second half of the Blue Bulls and even the game last week against the Golden Lions, we have played well, but we have not converted that into points,” said Stick.

He said he was especially impressed with the forwards, under the guidance of coach Wayne van Heerden.

“I have made it clear to the boys that we simply cannot let these opportunities go past without making use of them,” he said.

Eastern Province u19:

1  David Murray 2 Jean-Pierre Jamieson 3 James Beyl 4 Wynand Grassmann 5 Sintu Manjezi 6 Cyril-John Velleman (c) 7 Tyler Paul 8 Elandre van der Merwe 9 Kewan Gibb 10 Jasson Baggott 11 Lindelwe Zungu 12 Luan Nieuwoudt (vc) 13 Dylan Peterson 14 Yamkela Nyalambisa 15 Malcolm Jaer

Reserves:

16 Arno Lotter 17 Matthew Jackson 18 Thembelihle Yase 19 Gerrit Huisamen 20 Jayson Reinecke 21 Jason Vers 22 Thabani Mgugudo 23 Julio Abels

EP u18 unbeaten at Craven Week

The Eastern Province u18 squad did their province proud at this years u18 Craven Week in Cradock. Not only were they unbeaten, but they also had the honour of playing in the final match on Saturday.

Eastern Province (6) 26 v Blue Bulls (16) 25

They had a tough opener against the Blue Bulls, as they only had two Curwin Bosch penalties to show at half time, trailing 6 - 16. It was literally a game of two halves as the EP outscored the Blue Bulls 20 points to 9 in the second half, with a last minute try by Athenkosi Mayinje. Bulls were leading 25 - 24 with the touch line conversion to come, Bosh slotted the pressure kick to give his team a 26 - 25 win.

Eastern Province

Tries - Bosch, Mayinje 

Conversions - Bosch (2)

Penalties - Bosch (4)

 

Blue Bulls

Tries - Ettien Matthys

Conversion - Tinus de Beer

Penalties - de Beer (6)

Eastern Province (19) 19 v Free State (0) 5

EP were unable to score any points in the second half, but did enough by scoring three unanswered tries in the first half. Bosch who started at fullback against the Blue Bulls moved to fly-half to make way for Kean Vers, who also opened the scoring for EP. Athenkosi Mayinje scored his second try of the tournament with fellow winger, Darron Lottering, also crossing the whitewash. Bosch converted two of the tries. Julian Jordaan managed to score a late try for the Free State.

Eastern Province

Tries - Vers, Mayinje, Lottering

Conversions - Bosch (2)

Free State

Try - Julian Jordaan

Eastern Province (20) 25 - SWD (0) 7 

The EP boys scored two first half tries along with two conversions and two penalties to take a comfortable 20 point lead at half time. Mayinje opened the scoring for EP with his third of the tournament. Johan van Niekerk scored EP's second try, but not before Bosch added 3 points through a penalty kick. Bosch converted van Niekerk's try, followed by another penalty kick on half time to give his team a comfortable 20 point lead going into the second half. EP could only manage to score another five points in the second half through a Stephanus Nieuwoudt try. SWD managed to score a try in the closing minutes through Domenic Smith, his try was converted by John Jackson. Final score 25 - 7.

Eastern Province

Tries - Mayinje, v Niekerk, Nieuwoudt

Conversion - Bosch (2)

Penalties - (2)

SWD

Try - Smith

Conversion - Jackson   

Athenkosi Mayinje was the top try scorer for EP with 3 tries from 3 games. Bosch, Vers, Lottering, v Niekerk and Nieuwoudt all scoring 1 try each. 

Bosch was the top point scorer for EP with 35 points (1 try, 6 conversions, 6 penalties) 

Eastern Province u18 Craven Week Squad:

Nathan Wavin Augustus, Heino Bezuidenhout, Curwin Dominique Bosch, Wihan Coetzer, Erich Estiaan de Jager, Stefan Janse van Vuuren, Darren Roberto Lottering, Athenkosi Miyinje, Lupumlo Mguca, Morney Moos, Rouche Nel, Stephanus Francois Nieuwoudt, Lunathi Nxele, Junior Sipato Pokomela, Kaden Prince, Tiaan Stander, Robin Stevens, Johann Ernst van Niekerk, Alendre van Rooyen, Roche Christo van Zyl, Keanu Armandio Vers, Jermy Charles Ward

EP Rugby referees are fed up

The Eastern Province Rugby Referees Society expressed their concerns of the on going and escalating levels of verbal and physical harassment at certain club rugby matches.

“We initially received a notification from the Referees Society today that they were downing tools due to the ongoing harassment that their members were exposed to at club games. While we do not condone the method in which the referees dealt with the issue - as we have protocols in place to deal with such matters - following discussions held with representatives from the referees we have decided to cancel all games this coming weekend in sympathy with their concerns,” said EPRU President, Cheeky Watson.

Citing threats of bodily harm and incidents wherein referees have been spat on and have had to be physically protected by players and executive members, and one recent instance where a referee’s tyres were slashed after a game, were some of their concerns raised.

“We as a union feel that this is simply unacceptable and will not condone this type of behaviour in any form whatsoever. We have already notified the clubs that all games for this coming weekend have been cancelled and have called on the clubs to address the issue of the abuse towards referees as a matter of urgency,” said Watson.

Watson said the service offered by referees to the clubs was often a thankless task, with referees having to sacrifice time away from family and other interests to assist with the development of rugby at grassroots level.

Clubs had already been informed that they would now be responsible for the safety of the referees at any home game they hosted, and that they needed to educate their spectators regarding their conduct at games.

“We have also made it clear that, going forward, any club that fails to address this matter will face the harshest of actions which the union can impose,” said Watson.

EP Kings crushes Eagles in George

The Eastern Province Kings beat the SWD Eagles at Outeniqua Park in George on Friday evening, with a convincing 78 (28) to 32 (25) victory.

The game got off to a somewhat rocky start for the Kings, with the SWD Eagles opening the scoreboard with a penalty conversion off the boot of Aldred James in the 6th minute.

The EP Kings retaliated with a try by Lizo Gqoboka just two minutes later, with a successful conversion by Gary van Aswegen to take the team to a 7 – 3 lead, but their momentum was broken a few minutes later as Lizo Gqoboka received a yellow card and the Kings were left  fending off a determined SWD Eagles team.

SWD made use of the opportunity and Buran Parks added five points with a try of his own, successfully converted by James. SWD’s Juandre Fourie then dotted down a try of his own, off a great break by fellow player Clint Wageman.  
The try was again successfully converted by James, taking the home team to 17 against the Kings 7.

The Kings suffered another blow with Gqoboka just returning to the field when Paul Schoeman was sent off with a yellow card. James converted the resulting penalty, extending the lead to 20 for the home team.

Charl du Plessis helped the Kings with a try in the far corner, converted by Van Aswegen. The Eagles capitalised on their superior numbers and Hentzwill Pedro broke away with a 50m run, dotting the ball in the corner, but James missed the conversion taking the home team to 25 against the Kings 15.

With Schoeman back on the field the Kings put the pressure on and kept SWD inside their own 22, and after repeat offenses referee Quintin Immelman had no option but to send off SWD’s Lyle Dilo with a yellow card and award the Kings a penalty try, neatly converted by van Aswegen to take the Kings to 22.

Siyanda Grey secured the Kings the lead as the half time whistle blew with a try of his own, and another conversion by Van Aswegen, taking the Kings to 28 against SWD 25 at half time.

A more composed Kings team took to the field in the second half, with Du Plessis adding the first points in the second half with his second try of the evening and van Aswegen converting.

Schoeman made up for his yellow card earlier with a try of his own three minutes later. Van Aswegen missed the conversion.

Shortly after Pedro got his second try of the evening, and James converted in what was to be the last points for the Eagles, taking them to 32.

The floodgates then opened up with Paul Perez dotting in two tries in quick succession for the visitors, with one converted by George Whitehead who came on for Van Aswegen.

Shaun McDonald then crossed the whitewash, neatly converted by Whitehead, taking the Kings to 59. Whitehead then ran in a try of his own, neatly beneath the posts, with a drop kick conversion, taking the score to 66.

Paul Schoeman then scored two more tries, with Whitehead converting the first, taking the Kings to 78 as the final whistle blew.

Scorers:

SWD EAGLES (32) - Tries: Buran Parks, Juandre Fourie, Hentzwill Petro (2)
Conversions: Aldred James (3)
Penalties: Aldred James (2)

EP KINGS (78) - Tries: Lizo Gqoboka, Charl du Plesis (2), Siyanda Grey, Paul Schoeman (3), Paul Perez (2), Shaun McDonald, George Whitehead, penalty try.
Conversion: Gary van Aswegen (5), George Whitehead (4)

EP Kings to play Eagles

Carlos Spencer has announced an expanded team of 26 players to tackle the SWD Eagles in George on Friday evening.

Spencer, who has yet to decide on the captaincy of the squad following Luke Watson’s absence due to a slight rib injury, has made eight changes to his starting line up in comparison to the game against the Sharks XV last week.

Up front, Edgar Marutlulle will start at hooker in place of Albé de Swardt, who moves to the bench. Lizo Gqoboka and Charl du Plessis, stay on at loosehead and tighthead respectively.

David Bullbring and Steven Cummins swop places, but stay in the starting lineup. Paul Schoeman comes in at 6 in place of Thembelani Bholi, and will be accompanied at flank by Stefan Willemse in place of Devin Oosthuizen.

Aidon Davis will take eighthman, in place of Watson, who left the field after 20 minutes against the Sharks XV at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium last week with a rib injury.

Spencer said Watson’s injury was not as bad as first expected and that he would be able to start training again next week.

Jaco Grobler takes over from Tobie Botes at scrumhalf, while Gary van Aswegen gets another run at flyhalf.

Sergeal Petersen comes up from the bench to take Siviwe Soyizwapi’s spot at wing, while Dwayne Jenner comes in at inside centre for Shane Gates, having recovered from a concussion during the game against Wales. Gates moves to the bench, with Spencer saying that he was being rested following a slight calf strain.

Tim Whitehead remains at outside centre, getting his third game in a row, as Ronnie Cooke is still out due to injury.
Scott van Breda also gets a break, with Ntabeni Dukisa coming in at fullback.

Notably on the bench is Paul Perez, who Spencer says is keen to get back out and play some rugby. “The coaching staff are also looking forward to see what he can do,” he said.

Spencer acknowledged that concerns had been raised that the SWD Eagles would not be fielding a full strength team against the EP Kings.

“It is a concern for us, same as with the Bulls and the Sharks, but right now it’s about us, not them, and we’re concentrating on what we have to work on,” he said.

The game will take place at Outeniqua Park on Friday, 11th of July 2014, kicking off at 19:00.

EP Kings:  
1. Lizo Gqoboka 2. Edgar Marutlulle 3. Charl du Plessis 4. David Bulbring 5. Steven Cummins 6. Paul Schoeman 7. Stefan Willemse 8. Aidon Davis 9. Jaco Grobler 10. Gary van Aswegen 11. Sergeal Petersen 12. Dwayne Jenner 13. Tim Whitehead 14. Siyanda Grey 15. Ntabeni Dukisa  

Replacements:
16. Albé de Swardt 17. Tom Botha 18. BG Uys 19. Darron Nell 20. Shaun McDonald 21. Cameron Lindsay 22. Kevin Luiters 23. George Whitehead 24. Shane Gates 25. Paul Perez 26. Hansie Graaff

EP U19 to face Bulls

The Eastern Province U19 team is ready to face the Bulls U19 in their first match of the season at Loftus on Friday afternoon.

The team will be captained by CJ Velleman, who made his provincial debut earlier this year for the EP Kings at Vodacom Cup level.

“We are really looking forward to the season; we know it is going to be a big challenge this year and that we will have to up our game as we will be playing A division this year after winning the promotion relegation match against Border last year,” said U19 head coach, Mzwandile Stick.

“This is also a great opportunity for our youngsters, who will now be playing top competitive rugby in their age group, which can mean good things for the Union going forward,” he said.

Stick said the team, which included a number of top players from the Eastern Province school system, including the likes of Velleman, Tyler Paul and Malcolm Jaer, were expecting a tough game against the Bulls.

“We know that they have a strong forward pack and some talented players, including some who were part of the SA U20 squad, so we are expecting a very physical game,” he said.

“This is the first game of the season, it’s their home ground, so we know the Bulls are going to come hard, but we have also some talented players and we’re up for the challenge,” said Stick.

Kickoff is at 3pm.

EP Kings u19:
1. Thembelihle Yase 2. Jean-Pierre (JP) Jamieson 3. Chris Whitting 4. Wynand Grassmann 5. Sintu Manjezi 6. Cyril-John (CJ) Velleman  (Capt) 7. Tyler Paul 8. Mihlali Nchukana 9. Jason Baggott 10. Jason Vers 11. Lindelwe Zungu 12. Luan Nieuwoudt 13.  Dominik Uytenbogaardt 14. Thabani Mgugudo 15. Malcolm Jaer      
Replacements:
16. Arno Lotter 17. James Beyl 18. David Murray 19. Gerrit Huisamen 20. Qhama Mvimbi 21. Kewan Gibb 22. Luzuko Mase 23. Julio Abels