Kings won't use all new recruits against Wales
[caption id="attachment_34356" align="alignright" width="250"] EDGAR MARUTLULLE[/caption]
EP KINGS head coach Carlos Spencer resisted the temptation to throw all his new overseas signings in at the deep end when he named his team to play Wales.
The only new recruits included in the squad to play the Welsh Dragons at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on Tuesday are scrumhalf Kevin Luiters, fullback Hansie Graaff, Australian lock Steven Cummins and hooker Edgar Marutlulle.
Other new signings, like former Stade Francais hooker Michael van Vuuren and ex-Endinburgh lock Izak van der Westhuizen, were not included in the side for the international warm-up.
There had also been speculation that Luke Watson would return to lead the side after a long injury layoff, but it has been decided to delay his re-entry until he is 100% fit.
Asked about Watson, Spencer said: "To be honest Luke could have played on Tuesday, but we have decided to rest him and make sure he has got that injury 100%.
"Luke has been working really hard over the past three months and credit to him.
"You know that's the sort of bloke he is. He wanted to play, but I just thought now is not the right time. We want him to be 100% and when he is 100% he will play."
In Watson's absence the team will be lead by the highly experienced Darron Nell who will welcome this opportunity to display his impressive leadership qualities.
Nell will pack down with fellow lock Cameron Lindsay in a pack that can expect to be tested by a physical Welsh team.
"Most of the new guys only arrived on Monday so they have a bit to learn in terms of information and the way we want to play the game," Spencer said.
"But they have all fitted in really well. We are coming together well which is great and I am happy in terms of our preparation. We are all looking forward to Tuesday."
After the Wales clash, the Kings face a Bulls 15 in a Super Rugby friendly on June 20 and this clash will provide Spencer with another opportunity to bring new signings into the team.
The Kings then come up against the Sharks 15 in another Super Rugby friendly on July 4 before their opening Currie Cup rugby match against Western Province on August 8.
Wing Sergeal Petersen and No 8 Aidon Davis were not in the frame for the Welsh showdown because they are on international duty for the Baby Boks at the Junior World Cup in New Zealand.
After the warm-up game in Port Elizabeth, the first test between Wales and the Springboks takes place in Durban on Saturday, June 14 with the second a week later in Nelspruit on June 21.
Ospreys lock Alun Wyn Jones will captain Wales in South Africa after coach Warren Gatland named a 32-man squad for the series.
Tuesday's team:
EP Kings: Lizo Gqoboka , Edgar Marutlulle, Charl du Plessis, Darron Nell (capt), Cameron Lindsay, Thembelani Bholi, Devin Oosthuizen, Paul Schoeman, Kevin Luiters, George Whitehead, Scott van Breda, Shane Gates, Ronnie Cooke, Siviwe Soyizwapi, Hansie Graaff. Replacements: Albe de Swardt, BG Uys, Simon Kerrod, Steven Cummins, Stefan Willemse, Jaco Grobler, Dwayne Jenner, Ntabeni Dukisa. - George Byron
