More changes as Kings gear up for game against SWD
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The EP Kings will travel to George this week with a much changed team compared to that which suffered a 28 point loss against the Free State XV in Cradock this weekend, with the end score 3 – 31.
Vodacom Cup Head Coach, Mzwandile Stick announced a team featuring no fewer than nine changes to the starting fifteen.
The team, which will once again be led by Stephan Zaayman, has been bolstered by the inclusion of some players who have been called up from the NMMU Madibaz team, after the senior players who had been included in last week’s game were not available to play this week.
“It is a great opportunity for players like Louis Fourie and Cameron Lindsay, who take up the lock positions at four and five, and we will also benefit as we have battled at lock, and they will bring value to our set piece, where we have struggled,” he said.
Stick said the NMMU players had started training with the team since yesterday, but was confident that they would fit in, as there was a lot of crossover between the Madibaz structures and the EP Kings, with both players being coached by Barend Pieterse, the EP Kings Forwards Coach.
Also returning to the team up front are Pieter Stemmet at tighthead prop and CJ Velleman, at flank, who both sat out last week’s match.
Stemmet joins regulars Lizo Gqoboka and Albe de Swardt up front, while Thembelani Bholi also keeps his spot on the team. Zaayman shifts back from lock and returns to his position at no 8 to complete the forwards pack.
The back line also has a number of changes, with Dwayne Kelly returning at scrumhalf, NtabeniDukisa coming up from the bench at flyhalf and Andile Jho, also a Madibaz player, coming in at inside centre.
Oefense Boloko and Eben Barnard also join the team to take up the left and right wing respectively.
Brian Skosana, at outside centre and Masixole “Coyi” Banda at fullback complete the team.
Stick said it was proving a challenge getting over two big losses, and with the number of changes to the team due to player availability did make it difficult.
“Losing is part of the game, and there will always be challenges, so it is important that we stay positive and bring energy to the field,” he said.
Stick said it was also important that the team pick themselves up and stopped making excuses.
“We cannot make excuses, we didn’t step up to the challenge, we are young, but so is our opposition,” he said.
Zaayman said the team were preparing for a physical hit out against the SWD Eagles.
“We know it is going to be a very tough, very physical game, and that they will try to get under our skin, but we have to stick to our game plan,” he said.
“Coach told us that there is no pressure this game, we need to go out and enjoy it, be positive and relax,” he said.
Stick said that he realised it was very tough for the fans at the moment.
“We know the fans are there, supporting us, and we have not been giving back to them with our performances. We’re asking them to be patient with us as we build towards the Currie Cup Premier Division.”
“Hopefully we will see between eight and ten players from the Vodacom Cup join the Currie Cup squad, and we will be able to say we have achieved something. We need to stay positive and support these youngsters,” he said.
The team is
Lizo Gqoboka
Albe de Swardt
Pieter Stemmet
Louis Fourie
Cameron Lindsay
Thembelani Bholi
CJ Velleman
Stephan Zaayman
Dwayne Kelly
Ntabeni Dukisa
Ofense Boloko
Andile Jho
Brian Skosana
Eben Barnard
Masixole “Coyi” Banda
Replacements
Dane Van der Westhuizen
Vukile Sofisa
Tyler Paul
Siphesihle Punguzwa
Sonwabo Majola
Siphumelelo Msutwana
Kayle Van Zyl
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