Cheeky calls for 'bums on seats' to support the Kings

EP RUGBY president Cheeky Watson is hoping that between 15000 and 20000 fans attend tomorrow night's historic rugby friendly between the EP Kings and Wales at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium.

Wales have never played in Port Elizabeth before and rugby fever is running high ahead of the Kings' return to top-flight Currie Cup Premier Division rugby later in the season.

"People have been supportive in the past, and we can go back to Super Rugby last year where we were third on the overall attendance list," Watson said.

"They are hungry for rugby and I am sure they will support us again against Wales and in the Super Rugby friendlies against the Bulls and Sharks and then in the Currie Cup.

"We can look forward to a feast of rugby in a very condensed period of time. The Kings need bums on seats to support them."

The Welsh team are already based in Durban ahead of the first test there on Saturday against the Springboks. The squad to play against the Kings will arrive in Port Elizabeth today.

"It's an opportunity to see a number of squad members pull on the Wales jersey and represent their country and see how they handle the game and the pressure," Welsh coach Warren Gatland said.

"We know how tough the next few weeks are going to be, and that starts [tomorrow] against the Kings and we have to be prepared for a big game and hit the ground running.

"We were keen to have this match in Port Elizabeth, to experience a short turnaround and replicate what we will face at the World Cup next year.

"That preparation is well under way and the Kings match is a great opportunity for players who have impressed this season and at the trial to stake their claim on the international stage."

The Kings have named a team with several new signings to take on the Welsh.

"I think this game is a bit early for us in the season, but because it's Wales we decided to take this on. It's a great opportunity, not only for us as a union, but for the players as well, especially the young guys," coach Carlos Spencer said.

"Our main goal is on August 8 in the game against the Western Province in our first Currie Cup game. We want to come out of this game against Wales fairly confident in what we've been trying to achieve over the past two or three months.

"I want to see the guys' work-rate and see them working hard for each other."

Spencer said he was expecting the tourists to bring a very physical game to Port Elizabeth.

"Wales are a great team and are coached by a former All Black and New Zealander in Warren Gatland, so they're going to come here and play a good style of rugby which we like, so we're definitely looking forward to it."

Tickets for tomorrow's clash (kick-off at 7pm) are available through Computicket and the NMB Stadium ticketing office. - George Byron