The Eastern Province Kings team that will take on the DHL Western Province in their first Currie Cup Premier Division match of the season at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on Friday evening at 19h10.
EP Kings Head Coach, Carlos Spencer announced his team following two months of warm up games that have seen the Kings take on Wales, a Bulls XV, a Sharks XV, the SWD Eagles and the Free State Cheetahs.
The team, which will be led by Luke Watson, includes Lizo Gqoboka at loosehead prop, Edgar Marutlulle at hooker and Tom Botha at tighthead prop, while Steven Cummins and David Bullbring team up as locks to make up the tight five.
Thembelani Bholi and Stefan Willemse take up inside and outside flank respectively, while Watson comes on at the familiar eigthman.
Tobie Botes starts at the much contested spot of scrumhalf, with Gary van Aswegen opening at flyhalf.
Siviwe Shakes Soyizwapi and Ronnie Cooke take up the two wing positions, with Shane Gates and Tim Whitehead at inside and outside Centre respectively. Scott van Breda takes his spot at fullback.
Spencer said that while there had been concerns around Gqoboka’s fitness ahead of the match, following a mild concussion after the Cheetahs game in Cradock, he had been in training and that, subject to a clearance from the medical team, he should be fit to start.
“Yes, we did have a few headaches when it came to choosing the team, there were a number of players who have put their hand up in the pre season, and it wasn’t easy to finalise the team,” he said.
Spencer said while it was a definite shift in gears to Currie Cup, the focus was on the game ahead against Western Province and keeping things relaxed amongst the players ahead of the game.
“We really want to keep the players as calm and relaxed as possible and that they must enjoy the week ahead of the game,” he said.
The EP Kings team:
- Starting Lineup: 1. Lizo Gqoboka, 2. Edgar Marutlulle, 3. Tom Botha, 4. Steven Cummins, 5. David Bulbring, 6. Thembelani Bholi, 7. Stefan, Willemse, 8. Luke Watson (Captain), 9. Tobie Botes, 10. Gary van Aswegen, 11. Siviwe Soyizwapi, 12. Shane Gates, 13. Tim Whitehead, 14. Ronnie Cooke, 15. Scott van Breda
- Replacements: 16. Albé de Swardt, 17. CJ van der Linde, 18. Darron Nell, 19. Aidon Davis, 20. Kevin Luiters, 21. George Whitehead, 22. Ntabeni Dukisa (DJ)
“I’ve watched a few of the EP games of late and you know that a team under Carlos Spencer will play an exciting brand of rugby, so we’re bracing ourselves for a big onslaught come Friday night,” said WP Rugby Coach, Allister Coetzee who announced 8 debutantes in his team lineup.
The DHL WP team:
- Starting Lineup: 15. Cheslin Kolbe, 14. Kobus van Wyk (On Absa Currie Cup debut for DHL Western Province), 13. Juan de Jongh (captain), 12. Michael van der Spuy, 11. Seabelo Senatla (On Absa Currie Cup debut for DHL Western Province), 10. Demetri Catrakilis, 9. Nic Groom, 8. Nizaam Carr, 7. Michael Rhodes, 6. Siya Kolisi, 5. Manuel Carizza (On Absa Currie Cup debut for DHL Western Province), 4. Eben Etzebeth, 3. Pat Cilliers (vice-captain), 2. Tiaan Liebenberg, 1. Alistair Vermaak (On Absa Currie Cup debut for DHL Western Province)
- Replacements: 16. Stephan Coetzee (On Absa Currie Cup debut for DHL Western Province), 17. Frans Malherbe, 18. Jean Kleyn (On Absa Currie Cup debut for DHL Western Province), 19. Sikhumbuzo Notshe (On Absa Currie Cup debut for DHL Western Province), 20. Louis Schreuder, 21. Robert du Preez (On Absa Currie Cup debut for DHL Western Province, 22. Pat Howard
Referee: Jaco Peyper
Assistant referees: Christie du Preez, Jaco Pretorius
Television match official: Deon van Blommestein
Alan Straton
Latest posts by Alan Straton (see all)
- Rode & Associates Values Hospitality, Game Reserves - 9 October 2026
- Balwin Properties: Izinga Eco-Estate Umhlanga Dates - 9 October 2026
- Blue Falcon Estate Offers Germiston Families Outdoor Space for Summer - 9 October 2026
- Dreyer Linen Readies Festive Tablecloths and Towels - 8 October 2026
- Loan on Cars Stays Open Seven Days a Week This October - 8 October 2026
