For many in the young EP side it will also be their first Currie Cup.
CURRIE Cup Premier Division rugby returns to Port Elizabeth tonight after a long 12-year absence and the EP Kings are desperate to celebrate an emotionally-charged occasion with a stirring victory over a formidable Western Province outfit. Kings officials are hoping that a partisan 40 000 strong home crowd will spur them to victory in what will be a fierce battle against the equally fired-up visitors.
The Kings coach said the focus in the lead-up had been about what his team knew they could do on the night and they had to get the basics right.
“We like to think we can play an expansive game but we must do the basics right first to be able to do that,” said Spencer.
“The guys know that so it is important that our drivers take control of the game early on and play in the right part of the field.
“The boys have got to stick to the game plan and play for 80 minutes.” Spencer said the players were also concentrating on looking ahead to the game .
“We really want to keep the players as calm and relaxed as possible. They must enjoy the week ahead of the game,” he said.
The fans can expect a right royal battle. Tonight’s teams are: EP Kings: Lizo Gqoboka; Edgar Marutlulle, Tom Botha, Steven Cummins, David Bulbring; Thembelani Bholi, Stefan Willemse; Luke Watson (capt), Tobie Botes, Gary van Aswegen, Siviwe Soyizwapi, Shane Gates, Tim Whitehead, Ronnie Cooke, Scott van Breda.
Reserves: Albe de Swardt, CJ van der Linde, Darron Nell, Aidon Davis, Kevin Luiters, George Whitehead, Ntabeni Dukisa.
Western Province: Cheslin Kolbe; Kobus van Wyk, Juan de Jongh (capt), Michael van der Spuy, Seabelo Senatla; Demetri Catrakilis, Nic Groom; Nizaam Carr, Michael Rhodes, Siya Kolisi, Manuel Carizza, Eben Etzebeth, Pat Cilliers, Tiaan Liebenberg, Alistair Vermaak.
Reserves: Stephan Coetzee, Frans Malherbe, Jean Kleyn, Sikhumbuzo Notshe, Louis Schreuder, Robert du Preez, Pat Howard.
Kick-off is at 7.10pm.
Battle royal for Kings
CURRIE Cup Premier Division rugby returns to Port Elizabeth tonight after a long 12-year absence and the EP Kings are desperate to celebrate an emotionally-charged occasion with a stirring victory over a formidable Western Province outfit. Kings officials are hoping that a partisan 40 000 strong home crowd will spur them to victory in what will be a fierce battle against the equally fired-up visitors.
The Kings coach said the focus in the lead-up had been about what his team knew they could do on the night and they had to get the basics right.
“We like to think we can play an expansive game but we must do the basics right first to be able to do that,” said Spencer.
“The guys know that so it is important that our drivers take control of the game early on and play in the right part of the field.
“The boys have got to stick to the game plan and play for 80 minutes.” Spencer said the players were also concentrating on looking ahead to the game .
“We really want to keep the players as calm and relaxed as possible. They must enjoy the week ahead of the game,” he said.
The fans can expect a right royal battle. Tonight’s teams are: EP Kings: Lizo Gqoboka; Edgar Marutlulle, Tom Botha, Steven Cummins, David Bulbring; Thembelani Bholi, Stefan Willemse; Luke Watson (capt), Tobie Botes, Gary van Aswegen, Siviwe Soyizwapi, Shane Gates, Tim Whitehead, Ronnie Cooke, Scott van Breda.
Reserves: Albe de Swardt, CJ van der Linde, Darron Nell, Aidon Davis, Kevin Luiters, George Whitehead, Ntabeni Dukisa.
Western Province: Cheslin Kolbe; Kobus van Wyk, Juan de Jongh (capt), Michael van der Spuy, Seabelo Senatla; Demetri Catrakilis, Nic Groom; Nizaam Carr, Michael Rhodes, Siya Kolisi, Manuel Carizza, Eben Etzebeth, Pat Cilliers, Tiaan Liebenberg, Alistair Vermaak.
Reserves: Stephan Coetzee, Frans Malherbe, Jean Kleyn, Sikhumbuzo Notshe, Louis Schreuder, Robert du Preez, Pat Howard.
Kick-off is at 7.10pm.
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