THE Southern Kings are
determined to maintain their unbeaten record against Australian opposition when they clash with the Waratahs in a Super Rugby match at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium today (kick-off 5.05pm).
This season the Kings have beaten the Western Force and Melbourne Rebels and drawn with the Brumbies in an eventful opening half of their debut Super Rugby campaign.
Despite his team’s fine record against Australian opposition, Kings director of rugby Alan Solomons said he could not pinpoint a reason for his team’s success.
“It has just worked out that way,” said Solomons.
“We did not enjoy our best games against the Crusaders and Hurricanes on the New Zealand leg of our tour and we were a determined lot when we came up against the Brumbies.
“The Force was our opening game and it would have taken a lot to beat us on that day because emotions were running high,” said Solomons.
“The Kings have prepared a strategy for the Waratahs match which we hope will be successful.”
The home side were given a big shot in the arm on Tuesday when it was announced that wing Sergeal Petersen had recovered from a groin strain and was fit to take his place in the team.
After missing the Kings’ past two games against the Bulls and Cheetahs, Petersen will add extra bite to the home team’s attack .
Petersen is the only change to the Kings team that lost 26-12 to the Cheetahs in Bloemfontein last Saturday.
After scoring two dazzling tries on his debut against the Western Force, Petersen has become a firm favourite with Kings supporters.
Last week Petersen was chosen for the Baby Bok team to compete at the Junior World Cup in France next month. In their past two matches the Kings have failed to score a try and Petersen will add extra thrust to the backline.
Kings head coach Matt Sexton says his team must contain the adventurous Waratahs players in what could develop into a war of attrition.
Two opposition players singled out by Sexton for today’s game are Israel Folau and Adam Ashley-Cooper whom he labelled as dangerous.
Waratahs assistant coach Alan Gaffney says the players know they will have a battle on their hands against the Kings.
Kings look to wing wonder for big lift
This season the Kings have beaten the Western Force and Melbourne Rebels and drawn with the Brumbies in an eventful opening half of their debut Super Rugby campaign.
Despite his team’s fine record against Australian opposition, Kings director of rugby Alan Solomons said he could not pinpoint a reason for his team’s success.
“It has just worked out that way,” said Solomons.
“We did not enjoy our best games against the Crusaders and Hurricanes on the New Zealand leg of our tour and we were a determined lot when we came up against the Brumbies.
“The Force was our opening game and it would have taken a lot to beat us on that day because emotions were running high,” said Solomons.
“The Kings have prepared a strategy for the Waratahs match which we hope will be successful.”
The home side were given a big shot in the arm on Tuesday when it was announced that wing Sergeal Petersen had recovered from a groin strain and was fit to take his place in the team.
After missing the Kings’ past two games against the Bulls and Cheetahs, Petersen will add extra bite to the home team’s attack .
Petersen is the only change to the Kings team that lost 26-12 to the Cheetahs in Bloemfontein last Saturday.
After scoring two dazzling tries on his debut against the Western Force, Petersen has become a firm favourite with Kings supporters.
Last week Petersen was chosen for the Baby Bok team to compete at the Junior World Cup in France next month. In their past two matches the Kings have failed to score a try and Petersen will add extra thrust to the backline.
Kings head coach Matt Sexton says his team must contain the adventurous Waratahs players in what could develop into a war of attrition.
Two opposition players singled out by Sexton for today’s game are Israel Folau and Adam Ashley-Cooper whom he labelled as dangerous.
Waratahs assistant coach Alan Gaffney says the players know they will have a battle on their hands against the Kings.
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