Southern Kings Head Coach Deon Davids has named his team to take on Munster in an historic GUINESSPRO14 Championship encounter at Outeniquapark in George on Saturday. It will be first time ever that the picturesque Garden Route city hosts an international franchise fixture and organisers have gone all out to ensure there is a festive air to the occasion that will appeal to the whole family.
Davids, originally from the Southern Cape himself, has left intact the entire forward pack that did duty in the narrow 36-35 defeat last time out against Benetton but the backline and bench show some changes. As expected, Martin Du Toit returns to the starting line up at flyhalf in place of Kurt Coleman who was ruled out for the rest of the season after fracturing his left leg against Benetton and there are also changes at wing and centre. Yaw Penxe returns at left wing in place of Alshaun Bock. Michael Makase retains his spot on the other wing. Jacques Nel gets a rare opportunity to start in the number 12 jersey, switching with Luzuko Vulindlu who moves to the bench.
The big story amongst the replacements is the inclusion of Justin Forwood in the squad for the first time this season. The talented front-rower returns after long-term injury. In other changes Dukisa Ntabeni, Rudi van Rooyen and Alandre van Rooyen take over as replacements from Tango Balekile, Rowan Gouws and Martin Du Toit.
Coach Davids stressed the need for his players to take individual responsibility for their decision-making after the loss to Benetton and indicated that this was an area his players had been working hard on ahead for the Munster match. "Our defensive systems are sound but they still require the player that is in place and in position to execute what we've practiced - whether it's to make a tackle or kick into touch. Munster are a very good side and if we make errors and don't execute well they will punish us," he said.
There's no doubt that the George public are looking forward to the occasion. Rival club rugby powerhouses Progress and Evergreens will provide the official curtain-raiser and the main match between the Kings and Munster will kick off at 19h35. Gates open at 13h00.
Tickets are available online from www.ticketpros.co.za as well as from TicketPro outlets.
TEAM LIST
15 | Masixole Banda |
14 | Michael Makase |
13 | Jacques Nel |
12 | Berton Klaasen |
11 | Yaw Penxe |
10 | Martin Du Toit |
9 | Godlen Masimla |
1 | Schalk Ferreira (C) |
2 | Stephan Coetzee |
3 | Pieter Scholtz |
4 | Stephan Greeff |
5 | Bobby De Wee |
6 | Andisa Ntsila |
7 | Martinus Burger |
8 | Ruaan Lerm SUBSTITUTES |
16 | Alandre Van Rooyen |
17 | Justin Forwood |
18 | Luvuyo Pupuma |
19 | Lubabalo Mtyanda |
20 | Lusanda Badiyana |
21 | Rudi Van Rooyen |
22 | Ntabeni Dukisa |
23 | Luzuko Vulindlu |
