Kings determined to shine against Wales
[caption id="attachment_34567" align="alignright" width="259"] HANSIE GRAAFF[/caption]
NEW signing Hansie Graaff says the EP Kings will be anxious to make a huge statement to all the Currie Cup Premier Division teams when they face Wales in an international friendly tomorrow.
Graaff, formerly of the Sharks, is one of a number of new faces in a Kings team to face the Welsh Dragons in a high-profile showdown at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium (kick-off 7pm).
"It is an exhibition match so there is no pressure on us, but we also do not want to look like fools," Graaff, who will play at fullback, said.
"We are going out to try and make a huge statement to Wales and the other Currie teams as well. I am positive that we will be well supported. We are smaller than Wales so we need a 16th man."
After a 12-year absence from the top flight, the Kings return to the Currie Cup Premier Division on August 8 when they face Western Province at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium. Tomorrow's game against Wales is one of the three warm-up matches, the other two being against a Bulls 15 on June 20 and a Sharks 15 on July 4.
"My contract expired at the Sharks and my agent lined me up with the Kings. I was keen to come to Port Elizabeth because the Kings are going to be playing in the Currie Cup Premier Division and will play Super Rugby in 2016," Graaff said.
"The new guys signed up by the Kings are a mix of experience and youth. I think the good times are coming for the Kings.
"The newcomers are fitting in easily and the guys are all helping one another. It is almost like a family at the Kings."
Though Graaff will play at fullback against Wales, he says he also enjoys playing flyhalf. "There is more space at the back. I have been at the Kings for a month now and have enjoyed working with head coach Carlos Spencer.
"He does not talk much, but when he does you listen. He is a very creative coach, and good."
The 24-year-old says one of his dreams is to get into the Super Rugby system in 2016. "I was at the Cheetahs and Sharks, but did not play Super Rugby. So firstly I want to play Super Rugby and then maybe look for a Springbok jersey."
Meanwhile, Wales announced that Dan Lydiate would captain their team.
The British and Irish Lions flanker has recovered from a hamstring injury to lead a match-day squad that includes all four uncapped players who have made the journey to South Africa.
Three of those players are named in Warren Gatland's starting 15 with Matthew Morgan lining up at fullback, Steven Shingler at inside centre and Jordan Williams on the wing.
They are joined in the backline by Cardiff Blues duo Alex Cuthbert and Cory Allen as well as James Hook and Rhodri Williams at half back.
In the pack, Paul James is named alongside Scott Baldwin and Rhodri Jones in the front row with Jake Ball and Ian Evans in the second row. Lydiate is joined by the Scarlets' Josh Turnbull at flanker, with Dan Baker at No 8.
Tomorrow's teams are:
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.
Wales: Matthew Morgan (Ospreys), Alex Cuthbert (Cardiff Blues), Cory Allen (Cardiff Blues), Steven Shingler (Scarlets), Jordan Williams (Scarlets), James Hook (Perpignan), Rhodri Williams (Scarlets), Paul James (Bath), Scott Baldwin (Ospreys), Rhodri Jones (Scarlets), Jake Ball (Scarlets), Ian Evans (Ospreys), Dan Lydiate (capt) (Racing Metro), Josh Turnbull (Scarlets), Dan Baker (Ospreys). Replacements: Matthew Rees (Cardiff Blues), Aaron Jarvis (Ospreys), Samson Lee (Scarlets), Luke Charteris (Perpignan), Aaron Shingler (Scarlets), Gareth Davies (Scarlets), George North (Northampton), Liam Williams (Scarlets). - George Byron
