With a sell out crowd predicted – there are only decidedly scrappy seats left, look out for the MyPE competition to try your luck at winning tickets – this weekend’s game between the Southern Kings and Blue Bulls with a curtain raiser of the EP Kings against the Sharks promises to be a cracker.
Supporters (fans are things you plug in) are being encouraged to wear black in support of their team on Saturday and we wholeheartedly encourage you to sign the pledge to comport yourself in a proper way at the game – See the Sportsmanship Pledge at the bottom of this article.
Announcing a relatively unchanged side today from the one that beat the Melbourne Rebels, Director of Rugby, Alan Solomons welcomed Luke Watson back as captain after his run against the South Western Districts last week saying; “it is really great to have him back in the side after Andries did an exceptional job on tour.”
Bandise Maku and Kevin Buys come into the starting line-up, David Bullbring replaces Rynier Barnardo, Cornell Du Preez moves to blind side flank and Jacques Engelbrecht stays on the bench.
The Southern Kings have four games to go before they get a bye.
Referring to the recent tour of Australasia, Solomons heaped praise on the players noting that the Kings were a good group of players with a good culture and spirit. One of the major positive factors for the team was getting 7 points.
Andries Straus highlighted that the Kings defensive game was one of the teams strong points but now they were looking forward to getting some good ball in hand and not having to continuously tackle. “To come back from a tour and to play in front of a packed stadium and home crowd will be something that every single player will enjoy and probably inspire them to go that extra yard,” said Strauss.
“I think it will be a very hotly contested game and we are looking forward to that,” said Luke Watson. “The Bulls are a fantastic side and come off a great win this weekend [but] any team is beatable,” continued Watson.
Southern Kings Team to Play Bulls at the NMB Stadium, in Port Elizabeth on Saturday 20 April 2013
- Starting Line-up: 15. George Whitehead, 11. Ronnie Cooke, 13. Waylon Murray, 12. Andries Strauss (Vice Captain) , 14. Sergeal Petersen, 10. Demetri Catrakilis, 9. Shaun Venter, 1. Schalk Ferreira, 2. Bandise Maku, 3. Kevin Buys, 6. Cornell du Preez, 4. Steve Sykes, 5. David Bulbring, 7. Wimpie van der Walt, 8. Luke Watson (Captain)
- Replacements: 16. Hannes Franklin, 17. Grant Kemp, 18. Rynier Bernardo, 19. Jacques Engelbrecht, 20. Nicolas Vergallo, 21. Marcello Sampson, 22. Siviwe Soyizwapi
EP Kings Team to Play Sharks at the NMB Stadium, in Port Elizabeth on Saturday 20 April 2013
- Starting Line-up: 15. Scott van Breda, 11. Michael Killian, 13. Andile Jho, 12. Tiger Mangweni (Vice Captain), 14. Siyanda Grey, 10. Shane Gates, 9. Scott Mathie, 1. Lizo Gqoboka, 2. Boetie Britz, 3. Jaco Engels, 6. Devin Oosthuizen, 4. Darron Nell, 5. Daniel Adonga, 7. Mpho Mbiyozo (Captain), 8. Paul Schoeman
- Replacements: 16. Charl du Plessis, 17. Virgile Lacombe, 18. Samora Fihlani, 19. Tim Agaba, 20. Kyle van Zyl, 21. Ntabeni Dukesa, 22. Brian Skosana
Sign up to this list to be in the RUNNING to get Double FREE tickets to the Southern Kings vs Bulls game this Saturday:
[wysija_form id=”2″]
Sign the Sportsmanship Petition to NOT Boo or Fight on the day:
[emailpetition id=”6″]
[signaturelist id=”6″]
Alan Straton
Latest posts by Alan Straton (see all)
- Kaelo Destinations Details the Solar Power and Conservation Behind Its Stays - 11 November 2026
- USN SA Pairs Protein and Hydration for Hot Summer Training Days - 10 November 2026
- Vanstippen Returns to the Top at 2026 Ducati King of the Whip - 10 November 2026
- The Gold Avenue Tells Rolex Owners to Skip the Polish Before Selling - 10 November 2026
- From Busking to the Business of Music: MEX Opens New Doors - 10 November 2026
