Samoan speedster Perez, Van Aswegen boost Kings

[caption id="attachment_40626" align="alignright" width="300"] GARY VAN ASWEGEN[/caption]

FLYHALF Gary van Aswegen has been signed to play for the EP Kings until the end of 2016 and looks set to play a key role for his new team in the Currie Cup Premier Division next month.

The cool-headed Van Aswegen, who initially joined the Kings on loan from Western Province, was signed after solid displays against the Sharks XV and the SWD Eagles.

"Gary has been brilliant since he's been with us. He has done everything I have asked from him," Kings head coach Carlos Spencer said.

"He puts pressure on George Whitehead for the No 10 jersey and George puts pressure on him. It's good, neither one can relax."

Though his team scored a runaway 78-32 win over the Eagles on Friday, Spencer said it had been good to see his team put under early pressure after they led 28-25 at half time.

"It was a bit disappointing, but the boys showed good character in second half to come back strongly," Spencer said.

Powerful Samoan speedster Paul Perez announced his return to top-flight rugby with two tries against the Eagles.

It was the ideal start for the dynamic Samoan, who is a firm favourite with crowds at Nelson Mandela Bay because of his ability to brush defenders aside to put his team on the front foot.

Out of the game for a long period with a knee injury, Perez stamped his mark on the game after he came on from the bench during the second half.

Spencer, who delayed Perez's return to ensure he made a full recovery, has now been handed another welcome selection headache by the bustling Samoan.

"Paul made some good breaks, but still needs more game time," Spencer said.

Many must have thought that the Kings were taking a gamble on the explosive Samoan when the Kings brought him back to South Africa after a knee operation.

However, it would seem that their confidence in the Samoan speedster could pay rich dividends when the Currie Cup Premier Division kicks off next month.

When Perez first returned it was for a period of rehabilitation at the Kings.

However, Kings president said Cheeky Watson said everyone had been amazed by his dramatic recovery. "Where it takes most players up to 12 weeks to recover Paul cuts that back to three weeks. Paul is a genetic freak."

The Kings round off their preparations for their return to the Currie Cup Premier Division with a match against the Cheetahs in Cradock on August 1. - George Byron