[caption id="attachment_40047" align="alignright" width="300"] EXCITING TALENT: Southern Kings centre Shane Gates on attack against a Sharks 15 at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium last week. Supporting Gates is hooker Albe de Swardt. Picture: BRIAN WITBOOI[/caption]
WITH the Currie Cup Premier Division kick-off looming EP Kings head coach Carlos Spencer has issued a warning to his ambitious young team.
Spencer's side has been in scintillating form in their past two matches scoring 18 tries against Bulls and Sharks fifteens but Spencer knows much tougher battles lie ahead.
"We are playing a style of rugby the fans appreciate but it is all about winning. You can be expansive and fancy but you still have to win," Spencer said.
"The Kings are going to come up against more difficult opposition and we understand that. In terms of the way we are playing the guys are adapting and enjoying things."
Several players shone in the win against the Sharks and Spencer said this was because of hard work.
"If you work hard as a team individuals stick out and that is what is happening at the moment. I was also pleased with the discipline we showed against the Sharks."
Kings skipper Luke Watson says his team is heading in the right direction ahead of the Currie Cup.
"Right at the beginning of the season we said we wanted to play a more expansive, attacking brand of rugby. I do not think by any means we are quite there yet, but we are showing the intention of what direction we want to head as a team," Watson said.
"We were happy with certain aspects and facets against the Sharks and also happy with the intensity.
"Execution at times still let us down but the new combinations are working. It is literally a new team every week at the moment.
"The only combination that was the same was Shane Gates and Tim Whitehead in the midfield and that is looking pretty good. Things are going well and we are happy with our progression."
Watson said some tough selections faced the Kings ahead of the Currie Cup opener against Western Province.
"Sergeal Petersen looked good when he came on and then we have got Aidon Davis coming back as well. And let us not forget what wing Paul Perez can do.
"So there a lot of guys coming back including CJ van der Linde and Steven Sykes and that will give the coach some selection problems before our opener against Western Province.
"Shane was unbelievable against the Sharks and Gary van Aswegen and Tobie Botes also played well. I thought Shane had an exceptional game," Watson said.
The Kings will name their team today to play against the SWD Eagles on Friday and more changes can be expected for the friendly in George.
Meanwhile, there are reports that wing Petersen has been signed to play Super Rugby for the Cheetahs next season.
According to the reports, Petersen will still be available to play for the Kings in the Currie Cup this year and in 2015. - George Byron