Exciting 'Shakes' praised
[caption id="attachment_37424" align="alignright" width="405"] TO THE POSTS: Southern Kings star Siviwe 'Shakes' Soyizwapi sets off an another attacking run. Picture: GALLO IMAGES[/caption]
DYNAMIC Southern Kings flyer Siviwe "Shakes" Soyizwapi has earned praise from his head coach Carlos Spencer after an electrifying display against a Bulls 15.
The young wing was one of the standout players when the Kings romped to a runaway 66-28 win in a Super Rugby friendly at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on Friday.
"Shakes was outstanding and when you have guys like him you have momentum going forward. It showed what he can create," Spencer, a former star All Black flyhalf, said.
"He is not always going to get ball like that but it was good to see him express himself. He is a guy with so much talent and I am happy for Shakes and I am sure he is as well.
"If we can have a lot of go-forward ball like we did against the Bulls it shows what we can create," Spencer said.
The inventive Soyizwapi had the 6000 crowd on their feet on several occasions as he initiated moves from deep within his own territory against the Bulls' team.
The Kings coach also had a word of praise for Kings centre Tim Whitehead who marked his debut with two tries against the Bulls.
"Tim played very well and I was very happy with the way Tim came through. The majority of the guys played well and just a couple of individuals let themselves down. But I was happy with the majority," Spencer said.
The Kings head coach said more positional switches could be expected in the remaining three warm-up games against a Sharks 15, SWD Districts Eagles and Free State before the Currie Cup Premier Division kicks off in August.
"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 that flexibility to do that," Spencer said.
Though Spencer was delighted that his team ran in 10 tries against a young Bulls 15, he stressed that hard work still lies ahead of the team before the Currie Cup.
"I think our turnovers are still too high at the moment. Though our structures are good, too many individuals are falling off tackles and I thought we leaked soft tries.
"There are things we have to work on in terms of our defence, but overall I was very happy with the display against the Bulls," the coach said. - George Byron
