Kings hungry for win over Bulls
[caption id="attachment_36903" align="alignright" width="300"] FAST AND FURIOUS: Explosive Siviwe 'Shakes' Soyizwapi will give the Southern Kings extra pace against a Bulls XV tonight. Picture: GALLO IMAGES[/caption]
Kings head coach Carlos Spencer says a win for his side over a young Bulls XV in a Super Rugby friendly would mean everything to his team at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium tonight (kick-off 7pm).
"We want to build a winning culture here so we go in with the expectation of winning every game. A win is crucial because winning builds confidence and it would mean everything for this team," Spencer said.
"If we can concentrate on the little things we did not do well with against Wales, we could get that win," Spencer said.
The Kings coach said his team were expecting a stern test from the Bulls even though the Pretoria side would not field their strongest side.
The Bulls sent a young group of players to Port Elizabeth because their top stars will be in action against the Namibian Welwitchias in Windhoek tomorrow.
"The Bulls are the Bulls regardless of what team they bring here. They will be out to prove a point with a bunch of youngsters who will be fighting for a place in the Currie Cup team."
Kings skipper Luke Watson, who returns after a long-term injury, says he is excited to be part of the system again.
"One of the biggest strengths of this team is the unknown element and mystery surrounding what we are going to bring and the rugby we are going to play," Watson said.
"That is quite a strong point for our game, with the permission of Carlos who has allowed us to read the situation.
"In the past, anyone who watched the Southern Kings could see that they played with a lot of heart, but it was a lot of prescriptive rugby.
"We were the closest thing to the Bulls outside of Pretoria with kick, chase and tackle our hearts out rugby. This time around the commitment and precision will be there, but I think there will be an element of excitement and having a go," Watson said.
Compared to the side that lost 34-12 to Wales last week, the Kings have made several changes to their starting lineup including, two positional switches.
The changes include Simon Kerrod, who starts at tighthead in place of Charl du Plessis, who is recovering from a neck strain suffered during the game against Wales.
Tim Whitehead will make his first appearance for the Kings at outside centre with Ronnie Cooke being rested after a slight ankle strain.
Up front Edgar Marutlulle retains his spot at hooker, while BG Uys comes in for Lizo Gqoboka at loosehead prop.
Darron Nell moves to the bench with Steven Cummins taking his place at lock next to Cameron Lindsay, who retains his spot.
Thembelani Bholi also retains his spot at flank, with Paul Schoeman moving opposite him from eighth man to make space for Watson.
Jaco Grobler comes in at scrumhalf, George Whitehead remains at flyhalf, while Ntabeni Dukisa and Siviwe Soyizwapi take up their positions on the wings.
Dwane Jenner comes on at inside centre in place of Shane Gates, who moves to the bench, while Scott van Breda moves to fullback.
Tonight's teams:
Southern Kings: BG Uys, Edgar Marutlulle, Simon Kerrod, Steven Cummins, Cameron Lindsay, Thembelani Bholi, Paul Schoeman, Luke Watson (capt), Jaco Grobler, George Whitehead, Ntabeni Dukisa, Dwayne Jenner, Tim Whitehead, Siviwe Soyizwapi, Scott van Breda. Replacements: Dane van der Westhuizen, Brenden Olivier, Tom Botha, Devin Oosthuizen, Kevin Luiters, Shane Gates, Hansie Graaff.
Bulls XV: Jacques Rossouw, Kefentse Mahlo, Marquit September, Leighton van Wyk, Jade Stiglingh, Kobus Marais, Carlo Engelbrecht, Ruan Steenkamp (c), Corne Cooper, Chris Massyn, Irne Herbst, Schalk van Heerden, Neethling Fouche, Jan Enslin, Justin Forwood. Replacements: Sidney Tobias, Andrew Beerwinkel, Jason Jenkins, Carel Swart, Andre Warner, Joshua Stander, Ganfried May, Johan Bannink. - George Byron
