Kempson pitches in to lift Kings
Former Springbok prop Robbi Kempson has been brought in to help the Isuzu Southern Kings front row prepare for their next Guinness PRO14 clash against Irish side Connacht on November 25.
The former Bok hardman, with 37 Test caps to his name, was drilling the Kings forwards on Tuesday as they attempt to snap a four-match losing streak.
“I have asked Robbi to consult with us in terms of our technical work with our scrum,” Kings head coach Deon Davids said.
“At this stage, we have a lot of problems and injuries to the props.
“So we are bringing through some young guys and we are using Robbi’s experience in guiding them at this level.
“Robbi has played at this level and he understands the competition and the demands.
“So technically, when coaching young props, that knowledge is invaluable. I am pleased that he makes time in his day, from time to time, to assist us.
“Robbi also gives us feedback in terms of reviewing our scrums.
“In our last game against Leinster, we conceded some penalties and a penalty try.
“So it is still a learning curve with these young props.
“So it is important that he gives us this guidance.
“That is the role Robbi will fulfil for us until we make a full-time appointment.”
Davids said he did not want to comment on the appointment of a full-time Kings forwards coach.
“There is a lot of stuff that still needs to happen regarding the full-time appointment of a forwards coach.
“We have many injury problems and prop Schalk Ferreira will be out for six to eight weeks.
“Another prop, Justin Forward, will be out for the same period. There are also other props out with injury.”
Despite a long list of PRO14 defeats, the Kings have been racking up tries at the Madibaz Stadium in Port Elizabeth.
In their past two matches, they have scored nine tries during narrow defeats against the Scarlets and Leinster.
So far, they have only won one of their opening eight matches as they battle to make headway in the European league.
Kings loose forward Andisa Ntsila has been laid low by a knee injury and the team have also lost skipper Michael Willemse and livewire lock Bobby de Wee to shoulder injuries.
Tighthead prop Luvuyo Pupuma was unavailable for selection against Leinster after sustaining a shoulder injury.
Players on the injury list: Martin Dreyer (knee), De Wee (shoulder), Bakkies Brown (ankle), Willemse (shoulder), Xandré Vos (neck), Sarel Pretorius (foot), Pieter Scholtz (shoulder), Oliver Zono (knee) and Sibusiso Sithole (shoulder).
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