Van der Linde warns Kings' opponents

BURLY former Springbok prop CJ van der Linde says teams might make the mistake of underestimating the EP Kings when the Currie Cup Premier Division kicks off.

After a long layoff because of injury, new signing Van der Linde returns to action tomorrow when he starts from the bench for the Kings in a friendly against the Cheetahs in Cradock.

"I think teams will underestimate the talent here and the hard work they have put in," Van der Linde, who has played 75 matches for the Springboks, said.

"We could see in the warm-ups that some of the teams did not expect what was coming and the way we played. If we can keep our minds focused on the task at hand and get a good start against Western Province in our opener we will be in with a shout," the 33-year-old Van der Linde, who joined the Kings from London Irish, said.

After the opener against Western Province next Friday at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, the Kings will play a further nine back-to-back matches as they bid to reach the Currie Cup playoffs in October.

"I'm very excited about the Cheetahs friendly because it is a long time since I have played. I have worked hard on my fitness for the past two months," Van der Linde said.

"The Kings have an exciting squad, with a couple of good players coming through, and it will be nice to play with them.

"Over the past five months the guys have pulled together as a unit. We have an exciting backline and I cannot wait to see them in action. In the forwards we also have good players coming in, so we can do well."

The versatile former Bok test player, who can pack down at either loosehead or tighthead, said it was vital the Kings stick to the game-plan mapped out by their coaching staff.

"It is all about execution in rugby. You can have a good plan but if you cannot execute, it won't work."

The robust front-rower said he can cover both sides of the scrum, but believed he would be utilised mainly at tighthead in the Currie Cup.

Asked if he harboured hopes of playing for the Boks again he said: "I always want to play for the Boks but my main focus now is to get 10 games under the belt. I cannot remember when I last played 10 games in a row.

"That is my main focus and if that happens, you never know. And you always want to play for the Boks – but small steps for now."

Van der Linde said his move to the Kings has signalled a new era in his career. "When I got here I was totally amazed by the set-up. The guys are planning and you can see something is happening here. Everyone is working together and I now have a new mindset."

Van der Linde has a contract with the Kings up until the end of the Currie Cup, and Eastern Province have an option to renew it. - George Byron