Luke Watson will make a return to the starting line-up for the EP Kings after being named captain of the team to play their final Vodacom Cup match against the Sharks XV at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Port Elizabeth on Friday (May 8). The match kicks off at 19.00.
Watson has only recently returned to action after suffering concussion in a Currie Cup match against the Blue Bulls last year, but is now excited about his inclusion in the starting line-up.
"I am excited to be back and however I can contribute to the team, that's what I want to do," the 31-year-old said.
Others back from injury are No 8 Tim Agaba and centre Tim Whitehead, who is the vice-captain.
Springbok prop CJ van der Linde, who, like Watson, has come off the bench in the last two games, is again among the reserves, certain to get some game time ahead of the Currie Cup programme.
The only question marks are behind the names of prop Simon Kerrod and replacement hooker Mike van Vuuren. Kerrod has a slight ankle injury and will face a final decision at Thursday's captain's run, while Van Vuuren had a minor heart issue during training on Monday and will have final tests to assess his fitness. They have been bracketed with Enoch Mnyaka and Albe de Swardt respectively.
While the Kings are out of the running for the Cup playoffs, coach Mzwandile Stick said there was still plenty riding on the outcome of the match.
"There is still plenty of motivation for this game," Stick said. "It has been a tough season, but we want to end on a high note and to leave this competition with something positive.
"We also want to thank our fans and our executive, who have supported us, with a win, as well as needing something to build on going into the Currie Cup."
The Kings are coming off a morale-boosting win over Boland and will be looking to maintain the momentum against the Sharks XV, who have also struggled this season.
"We played for one another against Boland and it was nice to see the guys enjoying themselves. After the disappointing loss to South Western Districts, the vibe was good on the way to Citrusdal (for the Boland game) and we bounced back well," Stick said.
The EP Kings team is: Lizo Gqoboka, Edgar Marutlulle, Simon Kerrod/Enoch Mnyaka, Stefan Willemse, Cornell Hess, Luke Watson (captain), Thembelani Bholi, Tim Agaba, Jaco Grobler, Hansie Graaff, Luther Obi, Tim Whitehead (vice-captain), Ronnie Cooke, Siyanda Grey, Siviwe Soyizwapi
Replacements: Mike van Vuuren/Albe de Swardt, CJ van der Linde, David Bulbring, Paul Schoeman, Enrico Acker, Sphu Msutwana, Scott van Breda
