The EP Kings U19 and U21 rugby teams are fired up to prove their credentials when they begin their age-group Currie Cup campaigns against Free State in Bloemfontein on Saturday (July 11).
The teams are both competing in the Premier Division, with the U19 side having proved highly competitive in their maiden season at that level last year, while the U21 outfit won the First Division and then trounced Border in the promotion-relegation match to earn their spot among the elite.
EP U19 team manager Robbi Kempson said this season was a golden opportunity for the teams to compare themselves with the best sides in the country.
“This is also our chance to develop the base of our players at the EP Kings going forward,” Kempson said. “We have invested hugely in our local talent, with 95 per cent of our teams coming from players in the Eastern Cape region.”
After a strenuous build-up to the season, EP U19 captain Jeremy Ward said they could not wait to get on to the field for the opening match, while acknowledging that they faced a tough challenge in Bloemfontein.
“We know there are no easy games in Bloemfontein, but we are ready to embrace that challenge,” Ward said this week. “We are ready for anything which comes our way and the team is looking forward to getting on to the field.
“After a lengthy time in preparations, the guys are fired up for this game and we are itching to get on to the field to play. There’s a very good spirit in the side because a lot of the players know each other well, and for the guys who have not played before, there is great excitement at pulling on the EP jersey.”
The EP U19 side came within a few points of qualifying for last year’s semifinals, eventually ending sixth, and they will be motivated to go one better this time around.
The EP U21 will be equally determined to prove themselves after several years of dominating their opposition in the First Division. They outclassed Border in the promotion match last year and now have a chance to show what they can do against the leading provincial U21 teams.
Kevin Kaba captained them to success last year, but he is on the injured list and energetic flank CJ Velleman will lead the side against Free State on Saturday.
Velleman was on the fringe of selection for the SA U20 team this year, while fullback Malcolm Jaer, who did play for the Boks in the Junior World Cup in Italy, is in Saturday’s line-up and should provide a potent source of attack among the back three.
Among others who represented the team last year are scrumhalf Franswa Ueckermann and utility back Warren Swarts.
The EP teams are:
EP U19 (15-1): Mabhutana Peter, Yamkela Nyalambisa, Jeremy Ward (captain), Michael Brink, Athi Mayinje, Garrick Mattheus, James Hall, Junior Pokomela, Lusanda Badiyana (vice-captain), SF Nieuwoudt, Wihan Coetzer, Robert Lyons, Roche van Zyl, Masikane Mazwi, Nicolaas Oosthuizen
Replacements (16-23): Thango Balekile, Xandre Vos, Keegan Branford, Mihlali Mosi, Hayden Tharratt, Sibusiso Ngcokavane, Avelo Jubase, Dominik Uytenbogaardt
EP U21 (15-1): Malcolm Jaer, Mihlali Nchukana, Somila Jho, Luan Nieuwoudt, Lindelwe Zungu, Simon Bolze, Franswa Ueckermann, Wynand Grasmann, Henry Brown, CJ Velleman (captain), Jan Uys, Gerrit Huisamen, Stefan van Schalkwyk, JP Jamieson, David Murray
Replacements (16-22): Jedwyn Harty, Mathew Moore, Tyler Paul, Elandre van der Merwe, Luvo Claasen, Warren Swarts, Jaquis (correct) Oosthuizen
Alan Straton
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