Spotlight on new Kings pairing against Sharks
[caption id="attachment_39538" align="alignright" width="290"] NEW FACE: Former Ikeys lock Shaun McDonald is in the Southern Kings squad to play against a Sharks XV at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium tonight. Picture: MIKE HOLMES[/caption]
ALL eyes will be on the new halfback pairing of scrumhalf Tobie Botes and flyhalf Gary van Aswegen when they make their debuts for the Southern Kings against a Sharks XV at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium tonight (kick-off 7pm).
The pair know a solid display could help cement their berths in the starting lineup when the Kings play their opening Currie Cup Premier Division match against Western Province on August 8.
The new pairing will be squaring up to a Sharks XV because the Sharks' top players will be in action tomorrow in a Super Rugby showdown against the Cheetahs in Bloemfontein.
Botes, who played 22 tests for Italy, is looking forward to playing in the Super Rugby friendly alongside Van Aswegen, who is on loan from Western Province.
"The atmosphere is relaxed and Gary is a nice calm player. So we try to keep it simple on the field and go out and do the basics. It is nice to be in this new environment where everyone wants to show what they can do," Botes said.
"Nobody is guaranteed a berth in the starting lineup so you have to stay on your toes and work hard."
Kings head coach Carlos Spencer will be hoping tonight's clash answers several questions as he refines his squad ahead of the Currie Cup.
"I am happy with the way the boys have started and was very impressed with the way they played against the Bulls, even though it was a Bulls XV," Spencer said.
"This week we have a Sharks XV and we have made a few more changes to give guys opportunities, so that is a new challenge for us. Hopefully these guys can come in and carry on with what we have done in terms of our structures."
The coach said it was not difficult to motivate his team for the friendlies.
"These guys have been working hard for the past four months in terms of gym and conditioning. So to get a ball in their hands come game time, they are excited by that. They know the Currie Cup is just around the corner."
For tonight's clash Siyanda Grey returns on the wing, Albe de Swardt replaces Edgar Marutlulle at hooker and prop Charl du Plessis starts in place of Simon Kerrod.
Another change in the front row sees Lizo Gqoboko starting in the place of BG Uys. At lock David Bulbring gets a start in the place of Cameron Lindsay.
There are also new faces on the replacement bench in Baby Bok Sergeal Petersen, former Stade Francais hooker Michael van Vuuren and Ikeys forward Shaun McDonald. Another change on the bench sees Enrico Acker coming in for Kevin Luiters.
The Kings will wind up their Currie Cup preparations with matches against the SWD Eagles and Free State.
Tonight's teams:
Southern Kings: Lizo Gqoboko, Albe de Swardt, Charl du Plessis, Steven Cummins, David Bulbring, Thembelani Bholi, Devin Oosthuizen, Luke Watson (capt), Tobie Botes, Gary van Aswegen, Siviwe "Shakes" Soyizwapi, Shane Gates, Tim Whitehead, Siyanda Grey, Scott van Breda. Replacements: Michael van Vuuren, Tom Botha, Brenden Olivier, Cameron Lindsay, Shaun McDonald, Enrico Acker, George Whitehead, Sergeal Petersen.
Sharks XV: Danie Mienie, Franco Marais, Wiehahn Herbst, Wiehan Hay, Marco Wentzel, Francois Kleinhans, Johan Meyer, Louis Botes, Hanco Venter, Fred Zeilinga, Sizo Maseko, Quentin Crocker, Heimar Williams, Jongi Nokwe, Jaco van Tonder. Replacements: Jacques Taylor, Sangoni Moxoli, David Fisher, Khaya Majola, Cameron Wright, Jean Luc du Plessis, Tyler Fisher.
Referee: Quinton Immelman. - George Byron
