Share

Kings make four changes for WP clash

Cape Town - The Eastern Province Kings will face Western Province with just four changes to the starting lineup after a solid performance against the Blue Bulls last week.

Head coach Barend Pieterse announced that scrumhalf Ricky Schroeder would again captain the side, with hooker Mike Willemse as his vice captain.

Pieterse has made four changes to his starting line up, including two positional changes.

New addition JC Greyling, who hails from Namibia, starts at outside centre and Burton Klaasen moving to inside centre, after Waylon Murray was given a rest.

"Waylon has been battling a bit with a tight hamstring, so we have decided to rest him ahead of this game and use the opportunity to see what JC can do," said Pieterse.

Among the forwards Ettiene Oosthuizen comes up from the bench to flank, while Sebastian Ferreira moves from flank to Lock to replace David Antonites, who has been ruled out after scans earlier this week revealed he had fractured his hand during the game against the Bulls. Pieterse said he was expecting a tough game on Saturday as WP were coming off two losses and had their backs against the wall.

"They will be under a lot of pressure to secure the win," he said.

Pieterse said the following week was going to be a big ask of the Kings squad, as they would be playing three games in the space of seven days, playing WP on Saturday, before facing Griquas in Kimberley on Wednesday evening and the playing the Free State Cheetahs in Bloemfontein the following Saturday.

"This is the kind of situation you associate more with Craven Week than Currie Cup, but it is the situation we are faced with and we will do our best to deal with it" he said.

Captain Schroeder the team's performance against the Blue Bulls had been a real confidence builder, and they were looking forward to take the momentum into the game against WP on the weekend.

"WP is a big union and a very professional side, and will be coming down to prove a point. We will have our work cut out for us, we're not going to get anything given to us on a silver platter," he said.

Teams:

EP Kings

15. Johann Tromp, 14. Siviwe Soyizwapi, 13. JC Greyling, 12. Burton Klaasen, 11. Sampie Mastriet, 10. Kobus Marais, 9 .Ricky Schroeder (captain), 8. Christiaan De Bruin, 7. Etienne Oosthuizen, 6. Vince Jobo, 5. Sebastian Ferreira, 4. Tazz Fuzani, 3. Vukile Sofisa, 2. Mike Willemse, 1. Justin Forwood    

Substitutes: 16 Martin Bezuidenhout, 17 Barend Potgieter, 18 Dylon Pieterse, 19 Luke vd Smit, 20 Brandon Brown, 21 Lungelo Goza, 22 Ganfried May

Western Province

TBA


We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
26% - 1271 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
30% - 1469 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2239 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE