SOUTHERN Kings skipper Luke Watson has given his selectors a pleasant problem to ponder when they meet to pick their team to play the Bulls in Saturday’s Super Rugby showdown at Nelson Mandela Bay.
Having been sidelined by a serious throat injury since February, Watson is back in the mix and ready to take his place in the side to face the Loftus Versfeld giants.
The Kings team to face the Bulls is expected to be named today , and much interest will focus on whether Watson is included in the matchday squad.
It will certainly be an emotional moment for the expected capacity 44000 crowd if Watson leads the rejuvenated Kings out against the powerful Bulls in what should be a typically fiery South African derby.
Rugby fever is building in the Bay after the Kings pulled off a last minute 30-27 win over the Rebels in Melbourne on Saturday.
Watson enjoyed a standout game when the EP Kings beat the South Western Districts Eagles 52-10 in a Vodacom Cup match at the NMMU campus on Friday.
“I am very happy about how things have gone today,” Watson said afterwards.
Asked if he was ready to face the Bulls on Saturday Watson said: “Look we do not want to get too far ahead of ourselves. I will talk to director of rugby Alan Solomons and let’s see what happens.
“It is too early to say whether I will play or perhaps start on the bench. It is a long season .
“I only expected to play 60 minutes against the Eagles so I was very happy that I was on for the full 80 minutes,” said Watson.
While Watson has been away, the Kings have developed a highly efficient loose-forward combination.
Head coach Matt Sexton said the loose-forwards had played a crucial role in the team’s impressive performances on their overseas tour.
“They set the tone for us defensively,” said Sexton.
Luke could be a kingpin for the Kings
Having been sidelined by a serious throat injury since February, Watson is back in the mix and ready to take his place in the side to face the Loftus Versfeld giants.
The Kings team to face the Bulls is expected to be named today , and much interest will focus on whether Watson is included in the matchday squad.
It will certainly be an emotional moment for the expected capacity 44000 crowd if Watson leads the rejuvenated Kings out against the powerful Bulls in what should be a typically fiery South African derby.
Rugby fever is building in the Bay after the Kings pulled off a last minute 30-27 win over the Rebels in Melbourne on Saturday.
Watson enjoyed a standout game when the EP Kings beat the South Western Districts Eagles 52-10 in a Vodacom Cup match at the NMMU campus on Friday.
“I am very happy about how things have gone today,” Watson said afterwards.
Asked if he was ready to face the Bulls on Saturday Watson said: “Look we do not want to get too far ahead of ourselves. I will talk to director of rugby Alan Solomons and let’s see what happens.
“It is too early to say whether I will play or perhaps start on the bench. It is a long season .
“I only expected to play 60 minutes against the Eagles so I was very happy that I was on for the full 80 minutes,” said Watson.
While Watson has been away, the Kings have developed a highly efficient loose-forward combination.
Head coach Matt Sexton said the loose-forwards had played a crucial role in the team’s impressive performances on their overseas tour.
“They set the tone for us defensively,” said Sexton.
Would you like to comment on this article?
Register (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Trending Now
Latest Videos