Preview: EP Kings vs Cheetahs

Coming off a 28 - 13 loss against the Vodacom Blue Bulls, Eastern Province Kings Head Coach Carlos Spencer decided to make wholesale changes for their first cross-conference match against the Free State Cheetahs at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium. 

Spencer has made seven changes to the starting lineup, which sees Martin Ferreira making his Currie Cup debut for the Kings as he replaces Edgar Marutlulle who sustained a shoulder injury against the Blue Bulls on Friday night. 

Other changes amongst the forwards includes, Tom Botha as he replaces CJ van der Linde who moves to the bench. 

Darron Nel who scored the try against the Bulls last week, will replace David Bulbring who will be missing the next four games due to an ankle injury. 

Ronnie Cooke moves back to outside center as he replaces Tim Whitehead. Siyanda Grey has recovered from the flu and will form part of the back three with Ntabeni Dukisa on the wing and Siviwe Soyizwapi who takes over from Scott van Breda who moves to the bench. 

“It’s the same this weekend as what it was for us in the previous six weeks. It’s going to be a massive challenge for us and we’re looking forward to that,” said Spencer. 

Looking at some of the Kings player stats: 

Lizo Gqoboka has had 39 carries in 6 games, 12 in their last game against the Bulls. He also scored a try against the Bulls when they played them in Pretoria in their first round match. He has played 340 minutes out of a possible 480 minutes over the last six games. Lizo also gets around the park, with 173 meters in six games, 53 meters against the Bulls last week. 

Edgar Martululle has played 363 minutes out of a possible 480 minutes. He has had 55 carries with 10 in the last game, and has gained 316 meters with 83 meters in the last game. He's ball handling has also been good for a hooker with only 2 handling errors in 6 games. 

Shane Gates has played 421 minutes out of a possible 480 minutes, and a full 80 minutes in the Kings' last game. Gates has been vital for the Kings in the midfield, with 79 tackles overall, 11 in the last game. He has missed 8 tackles overall and only 1 against the Bulls last week. Gates also made two line breaks in his 7 carries against the Bulls last week. He is also the top try scorer for the Kings with 2 tries. 

Scott van Breda has played a mammoth 444 minutes over the last 6 games, only missing 36 minutes against the Bulls. Van Breda is the top points scorer for the Kings with 37 points. He has beaten 3 defenders from his 33 carries, and also managed 5 line breaks with 1 try.