Kings seek out best combinations
[caption id="attachment_38742" align="alignright" width="300"] GARY VAN ASWEGEN[/caption]
IT looks like the Southern Kings will field a new halfback pairing when they clash with a Sharks XV in a Super Rugby friendly at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on Friday (kick-off 7pm).
As the Kings bid to find their best combinations ahead of the Currie Cup Premier Division kick-off next month, experienced Tobie Botes could get a chance to start at scrumhalf while Gary van Aswegen might make his debut at flyhalf.
That appeared to be EP's plan at training yesterday as head coach Carlos Spencer put his team through their paces. The team to face the Sharks XV will be named today.
Other changes could see Siyanda Grey return to the back division while lock Shaun McDonald might also be called up to the match-day squad after linking up with the Kings from the Ikeys.
McDonald, who won the "Forward that Rocks" award at the end of the Varsity Cup, could add extra muscle to the Kings pack.
Botes and Van Aswegen are new acquisitions and are anxious to make a good impression and put themselves in the frame for Currie Cup starting berths. The 30-year-old Botes, who has played 22 tests for Italy, will be keen to form a good partnership with Van Aswegen if the pair make the starting lineup.
Van Aswegen, who has made 15 appearances for the Stormers, could be a key man for the Kings if he can find his best form in Port Elizabeth.
The flyhalf has scored 124 points in 20 matches for Western Province.
When the Kings beat a young Bulls XV 66-18 at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium two weeks ago, George Whitehead was at flyhalf and Jaco Grobler started at scrumhalf.
After the clash with the Sharks, the Kings will wind up their Currie Cup preparations with matches against the SWD Eagles and Free State.
After the Bulls clash, Spencer said more positional switches could be expected in the remaining warm-up games. "I am just moving the guys around here and there to see who can cover in case of injuries. So you will probably find guys in different positions against the Sharks.
"That is what these friendlies are about, so we can work different combinations and get the guys used to one another, so we can see what will happen if there are injuries in key positions.
"So these friendlies over the next few weeks will give us the flexibility to do that."
Though Spencer was delighted that his team ran in 10 tries against a young Bulls XV, he said that hard work still lay ahead for the team before the Currie Cup.
Meanwhile, the Eastern Province U-18 Craven Week team will play Border ahead of the Kings and Sharks XV clash. This game forms part of EP's preparations for Craven Week 2014, which will take place in Middelburg from July 14 to 19.
The curtain-raiser will take place on the main field at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium with kick-off at 4.30pm.
Those wishing to watch the game will be able to enter the grounds through the Fettes Road gate. The remaining gates will open at 5pm. - George Byron
