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Port Elizabeth – The Southern Kings’ starting line-up for Friday’s friendly match against the Cheetahs may well show some changes from the one that beat the Bulls.
With a few players having recovered from light injuries, Kings coach Alan Solomons could tinker with the side.
However, the fact that the Cheetahs will field virtually their strongest available line-up Friday night at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, may also see him follow a conservative route.
Barend Pieterse was a late withdrawal from the Bulls match with a groin injury and was replaced by Ross Kennedy.
Kennedy performed superbly, but Pieterse is likely to be picked if fit.
Like the other lock, Kings captain Rory Duncan, Kennedy is a very physical player. He may well be on the bench to take over from Duncan in the second half.
It may not be the ideal situation to replace the captain, but it’s a long season ahead and Duncan has to be managed.
There are also leaders like No 8 Darron Nell and hooker Hannes Franklin, who can stand in for Duncan.
Fullback SP Marais had a big influence on the game against the Bulls when he was sent on as replacement.
However, Tiger Mangweni did not put a foot wrong in the first half and Marais will probably be used as impact player. Marais can also be considered as wing, with Paul Perez possibly moving to centre.
However, it will be a surprise if Solomons changes his midfield following the good performance by Siyanda Grey and Matthew Tayler-Smith.
Wayne Stevens can also be considered at centre again following his recovery from a foot injury.
Among the forwards, flanker Mpho Mbiyozo took some big knocks against the Bulls. If he is not ready, Morné Hanekom and Boetie Brits can be considered.
One of the pleasing aspects of the game against the Bulls was the good scrumming.
Solomons surprised by replacing props Jaco Engels and André Schlechter with Ronnie Uys and Riaan Vermeulen early in the second half.
Uys and Vermeulen built on Engels and Schlechter’s good performances in the first half.
With the first game behind them, the Kings’ coaching staff will now have a better idea of where improvements are needed.
Flyhalf Monty Dumond did not kick well tactically against the Bulls. However, that is something that can be worked on.
Port Elizabeth – The Southern Kings’ starting line-up for Friday’s friendly match against the Cheetahs may well show some changes from the one that beat the Bulls.
With a few players having recovered from light injuries, Kings coach Alan Solomons could tinker with the side.
However, the fact that the Cheetahs will field virtually their strongest available line-up Friday night at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, may also see him follow a conservative route.
Barend Pieterse was a late withdrawal from the Bulls match with a groin injury and was replaced by Ross Kennedy.
Kennedy performed superbly, but Pieterse is likely to be picked if fit.
Like the other lock, Kings captain Rory Duncan, Kennedy is a very physical player. He may well be on the bench to take over from Duncan in the second half.
It may not be the ideal situation to replace the captain, but it’s a long season ahead and Duncan has to be managed.
There are also leaders like No 8 Darron Nell and hooker Hannes Franklin, who can stand in for Duncan.
Fullback SP Marais had a big influence on the game against the Bulls when he was sent on as replacement.
However, Tiger Mangweni did not put a foot wrong in the first half and Marais will probably be used as impact player. Marais can also be considered as wing, with Paul Perez possibly moving to centre.
However, it will be a surprise if Solomons changes his midfield following the good performance by Siyanda Grey and Matthew Tayler-Smith.
Wayne Stevens can also be considered at centre again following his recovery from a foot injury.
Among the forwards, flanker Mpho Mbiyozo took some big knocks against the Bulls. If he is not ready, Morné Hanekom and Boetie Brits can be considered.
One of the pleasing aspects of the game against the Bulls was the good scrumming.
Solomons surprised by replacing props Jaco Engels and André Schlechter with Ronnie Uys and Riaan Vermeulen early in the second half.
Uys and Vermeulen built on Engels and Schlechter’s good performances in the first half.
With the first game behind them, the Kings’ coaching staff will now have a better idea of where improvements are needed.
Flyhalf Monty Dumond did not kick well tactically against the Bulls. However, that is something that can be worked on.
