Changes Made for Kings – Featured Durban Blog

As alluded to from the time of the Waratahs’ post match media conference, our head coach Robert du Preez has made a number of changes to the Cell C Sharks team to face the Kings on Saturday night.

The second home match in a row at Growthpoint KINGS PARK sees some injury enforced, Springbok rested and rotational changes to the side that so emphatically defeated the Waratahs last Saturday.

There has been steady progress each week – as per our primary aim – and this weekend is the opportunity for players in the squad who haven’t yet played, but who have certainly been part of the overall plan.

The loss of Pat Lambie necessitates a change at flyhalf. Although Curwin Bosch deputised with aplomb in the number 10 jersey, the coaching staff have named him at fullback in place of Clement Poitrenaud  who has a groin strain.

This opens the door for the very exciting Benhard Janse van Rensburg to marshall the backline.

The only other change amongst the backs sees Odwa Ndungane come in for Lwazi Mvovo on the wing.

Tera Mtembu will lead the side in the absence of Lambie and he has a new loose-forward partner, Jacques Vermeulen taking over from Philip van der Walt who suffered a facial injury last week.

There is an all-new front row, with Thomas du Toit Chiliboy Ralepelle and Lourens Adriaanse replacing Tendai Mtawarira, Franco Marais and Coenie Oosthuizen respectively.

Centre Andre Esterhuizen admits that given people’s expectations that we will win, mental preparation is just as important as on-the-field training.  That and sticking to the game plan.

“The thing with the Kings is that you can never underestimate them,” he explains. “If they get their tails in the air, it could be a long night for us, so starting well is important for us. We also mustn’t allow the game to get loose, we must keep to our structures, earn the right to go wide and we will play from there; and hopefully score some tries.”