The EP Kings need to neutralise the Golden Lions loose trio if they're to compete at Ellis Park on Saturday, says coach Carlos Spencer.

The Lions were at their free-flowing best against the Blue Bulls last weekend, with their dynamic loose trio coming to the fore. Captain Warren Whiteley and flanks Derick Minnie and Jaco Kriel worked well as a unit, flooding the breakdown and causing havoc in open play.

Carlos Spencer has highlighted the need to shut down the time and space afforded to these three if the Kings are to compete in Johannesburg.

'Those are the three guys we need to look at,' Spencer told HeraldLive ahead of Saturday's match.

'They are probably not as physical as the Western Province loose forwards but they are ball players and their work rate is high. They get around the pitch defensively with ball in hand.

'Look at someone like Whiteley and what he can do and his work rate and what he gets through. He is one you have to watch for 80 minutes.

'Minnie is great over the ball and we must look after the ball at the breakdown, because if you do not he will be the first guy in to steal our ball and we know he will be a threat.

'Kriel is physical and a good ball-carrier and also a threat over the ball. They are three good all-round footballers and I believe that is where their strength lies. If we can look after that then half the job is done.'

The Kings went down 35-16 in their opening match against Western Province, despite leading 11-10 at half-time. Some harsh lessons were learnt on their return to the Currie Cup Premier Division, lessons that Spencer is confident will stand his team in good stead moving forward.

'The Lions are a good team and they are strong in the set piece and they have a great driving maul. It will be a tough game, but the Lions are not unbeatable.

'We must go and play the way we train and I believe the Kings can go to Johannesburg and do a job.'

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