SOUTHERN Kings coach Matt Sexton said they were looking forward to the challenge defending Super Rugby champions the Chiefs will pose tonight .
After beating the Western Force and losing to the Sharks, the rookie Kings are planning to play a more attacking game against the try-hungry New Zealanders at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium.
“Since the Sharks game we have been concentrating on getting our shop right,” said Sexton. “The Chiefs has depth across the board so whatever team they send out it will be pretty solid. We will have a bit of a job on our hands and are looking forward to the challenge.
“We must make sure there are no muck-ups in any part of the chain so we can start putting more pressure on opposition sides with ball in hand.”
The Kings produced a massive defensive effort against the Sharks making 107 tackles as they slid to a 21-12 defeat.
Kings skipper Darron Nell, who has taken over the leadership from the injured Luke Watson, said the team was ready for the onslaught .
“We want to concentrate on our procedures and make sure that they’ re working. If we do that the results will look after themselves,” said Nell. “Our defence has been a pillar of strength. We want to get hold of the ball and attack more.”
Kings flyhalf Demetri Catrakilis will have a key role to play and his kicking out of hand will be vital as his team attempt to gain the field positions needed to put pressure on the New Zealanders.
“The Chiefs have players with the ability to create space for themselves ,” Kings vice-captain Andries Strauss said.
“Watching the Chiefs , you get the feeling they have a lot of confidence and it’ s an aspect of their game that they back. But sides are only as good as you allow them to be. We would like more ball in hand and to play more because we can’ t keep tackling week in and week out.”
C o-captain Liam Messam is to become the first player to play 100 Super Rugby matches for the Chiefs when he steps out tonight .
Chiefs coach Dave Rennie has made several changes to his starting lineup. Prop Toby Smith, lock Michael Fitzgerald, loose-forward Tanerau Latimer and Andrew Horrell all start . Hooker Rhys Marshall comes onto the bench after flying in from New Zealand during the week after Mahonri Schwalger went home due to injury.
TEAMS: Southern Kings: SP Marais; Marcello Sampson, Ronnie Cooke, Andries Strauss, Sergeal Petersen; Demetri Catrakilis, Shaun Venter; Schalk Ferreira, Bandise Maku, Kevin Buys, Cornell du Preez, Darron Nell (capt), Steven Sykes, Wimpie van der Walt, Jacques Engelbrecht. Reserves: Edgar Marutlulle, Jaco Engels, David Bulbring, Daniel Adongo, Nicolas Vergallo, George Whitehead, Hadleigh Parkes.
Chiefs: Toby Smith; Hika Elliot, Ben Afeaki, Craig Clarke (capt ), Michael Fitzgerald; Liam Messam, Tanerau Latimer; Ross Filipo, Tawera Kerr-Barlow, Aaron Cruden, Asaeli Tikoirotuma, Andrew Horrell, Tim Nanai-Williams, Lelia Masaga, Gareth Anscombe. Reserves: Rhys Marshall, Pauliasi Manu, Brodie Retallick, Sam Cane, Augustine Pulu, Charlie Ngatai, Patrick Osborne.
Once more unto the breach for the Kings
After beating the Western Force and losing to the Sharks, the rookie Kings are planning to play a more attacking game against the try-hungry New Zealanders at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium.
“Since the Sharks game we have been concentrating on getting our shop right,” said Sexton. “The Chiefs has depth across the board so whatever team they send out it will be pretty solid. We will have a bit of a job on our hands and are looking forward to the challenge.
“We must make sure there are no muck-ups in any part of the chain so we can start putting more pressure on opposition sides with ball in hand.”
The Kings produced a massive defensive effort against the Sharks making 107 tackles as they slid to a 21-12 defeat.
Kings skipper Darron Nell, who has taken over the leadership from the injured Luke Watson, said the team was ready for the onslaught .
“We want to concentrate on our procedures and make sure that they’ re working. If we do that the results will look after themselves,” said Nell. “Our defence has been a pillar of strength. We want to get hold of the ball and attack more.”
Kings flyhalf Demetri Catrakilis will have a key role to play and his kicking out of hand will be vital as his team attempt to gain the field positions needed to put pressure on the New Zealanders.
“The Chiefs have players with the ability to create space for themselves ,” Kings vice-captain Andries Strauss said.
“Watching the Chiefs , you get the feeling they have a lot of confidence and it’ s an aspect of their game that they back. But sides are only as good as you allow them to be. We would like more ball in hand and to play more because we can’ t keep tackling week in and week out.”
C o-captain Liam Messam is to become the first player to play 100 Super Rugby matches for the Chiefs when he steps out tonight .
Chiefs coach Dave Rennie has made several changes to his starting lineup. Prop Toby Smith, lock Michael Fitzgerald, loose-forward Tanerau Latimer and Andrew Horrell all start . Hooker Rhys Marshall comes onto the bench after flying in from New Zealand during the week after Mahonri Schwalger went home due to injury.
TEAMS: Southern Kings: SP Marais; Marcello Sampson, Ronnie Cooke, Andries Strauss, Sergeal Petersen; Demetri Catrakilis, Shaun Venter; Schalk Ferreira, Bandise Maku, Kevin Buys, Cornell du Preez, Darron Nell (capt), Steven Sykes, Wimpie van der Walt, Jacques Engelbrecht. Reserves: Edgar Marutlulle, Jaco Engels, David Bulbring, Daniel Adongo, Nicolas Vergallo, George Whitehead, Hadleigh Parkes.
Chiefs: Toby Smith; Hika Elliot, Ben Afeaki, Craig Clarke (capt ), Michael Fitzgerald; Liam Messam, Tanerau Latimer; Ross Filipo, Tawera Kerr-Barlow, Aaron Cruden, Asaeli Tikoirotuma, Andrew Horrell, Tim Nanai-Williams, Lelia Masaga, Gareth Anscombe. Reserves: Rhys Marshall, Pauliasi Manu, Brodie Retallick, Sam Cane, Augustine Pulu, Charlie Ngatai, Patrick Osborne.
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