Kings welcome back key loosie for Glasgow clash

Cape Town - Kings loose forward CJ Velleman is set to make his long-awaited return to the field - and make his PRO14 debut - when the Port Elizabeth-based side take on the Glasgow Warriors at the Nelson Mandela University’s Madibaz Stadium on Saturday.

Kick-off is at 15:00 SA-time. 

Following two years on the sidelines due to two serious knee injuries, the talented 23-year-old will make his comeback from the bench after last appearing for the Kings the 2016 Super Rugby competition. 

Coincidentally, Velleman will be making his return to play on the ground where he played for his alma-mater, Nelson Mandela University, as a junior. 

“It has been a long, hard past two years,” Velleman said. 

“There are no words to describe the feeling of being back on the field again. I’m excited, and cannot wait to get back on the turf again.” 

Head coach Deon Davids has made four personnel changes to his starting XV for the Round 4 encounter, with an additional two positional switches. 

The Kings will have a new halfback pairing as Rudi van Rooyen starts at scrumhalf with Godlen Masimla on the bench.

Flyhalf Martin du Toit will make his first start of the season in the No 10 jersey, with Masixole Banda shifting to fullback and Michael Botha occupying the bench to provide backline cover. 

The side will also have a new loose trio as Andisa Ntsila shifts from No 8 to blindside flank. Ruaan Lerm will start at eighthman and Henry “Bakkies” Brown at openside flank. 

“Our plan has always been to give our players a chance to play, hence our rotation of the squad,” Davids said. 

“It is great to see guys like CJ Velleman returning to the side after working hard to get back to full fitness. 

“We have worked hard this week on all the areas where we felt we fell short over the past few weeks. We are looking forward to playing at a new venue here at the Nelson Mandela University, but we know we have a big task ahead against a strong Glasgow Warriors side that remains unbeaten in the Championship.” 

Teams:

Southern Kings

15 Masixole Banda, 14 Yaw Penxe, 13 Harlon Klassen, 12 Berton Klassen, 11 Bjorn Basson, 10 Martin du Toit, 9 Rudi van Rooyen, 8 Ruaan Lerm, 7 Andisa Ntsila, 6 Henry Brown, 5 JC Astle, 4 Bobby de Wee, 3 Luvuyo Pupuma, 2 Michael Willemse (captain), 1 Schalk Ferreira

Substitutes: 16 Alandre van Rooyen, 17 Justin Forwood, 18 Martin Dreyer, 19 Stephan Greeff, 20 CJ Velleman, 21 Godlen Masimla, 22 Ntabeni Dukisa, Michael Botha

Glasgow Warriors

TBA