Pumas a tough test for struggling Kings

THE EP Kings are facing a tough Currie Cup assignment against the high-flying Pumas in Nelspruit today.

So far the Kings have managed to win just two of their opening nine matches and are second from bottom on the log.

The Pumas, on the other hand, have won seven of their opening 10 matches and will start as firm favourites as they bid to qualify for the Premier Division.

At the start of the season, the Kings struggled because of the late availability of players and injuries as they tried to make headway in the competition.

Kings captain Sinto Manjezi will pack down at lock with Tazz Fuzani as the Kings bid for their third win of the season.

Irrespective of how well they perform in that first stage, the six South African Super Rugby unions – the Golden Lions, Western Province, Blue Bulls, Free State Cheetahs, Sharks and EP Kings – will automatically move on to the Premier Division.

They will with be joined by the three non-franchise teams with the greatest number of log points.

Kings team: Michael Brink, Ivan-John du Preez, Somila Jho, J P du Plessis, Lindelwe Zungu, Garrick Mattheus, Rouche Nel, Lusanda Badiyana, Stephan Zaayman, J P Jonck, Sintu Manjezi, Tazz Fuzani, Louis Albertse, Warrick Venter, Liam Hendricks. Replacements: J P Jamieson, Mzuvukile Sofisa, Cornell Hess, S F Nieuwoudt, Sibusiso Ngcokovane, Siphumelele Msutwana, Courtney Winnaar.