Carlos Spencer has named an unchanged side for the EP Kings' Currie Cup clash against the Golden Lions at Ellis Park on Saturday.
Spencer has decided to retain his faith in the players who did duty in their opening match against Western Province, with the only change coming on the bench.
Steven Sykes, who missed the opener through injury, makes a welcome return to the match-day squad. The Kings struggled at lineout time against Province and Sykes, who won the Currie Cup twice during his time with the Sharks, will prove a valuable asset in that department on Saturday, and as the season progresses.
Spencer's team acquitted themselves well on their return to the Currie Cup Premier Division. Having led 11-10 at the break, they eventually went down 35-16 in front of their home fans, and Spencer admitted to the Port Elizabeth Herald that there was plenty for them to work on.
'We made poor decisions at important times, which cost us in the first 10 minutes after half-time,' said Spencer.
'Our set piece was not great in terms of our lineouts and we need to work on that. But we need to remain positive and keep our chins high and keep working hard.'
Luke Watson, who produced a Man of the Match performance in a losing cause, will lead the Kings against a formidable Lions outfit.
EP Kings – 15 Scott van Breda, 14 Ronnie Cooke, 13 Tim Whitehead, 12 Shane Gates, 11 Siviwe Soyizwapi, 10 Gary van Aswegen, 9 Tobie Botes, 8 Luke Waton (c), 7 Stefan Willemse, 6 Thembelani Bholi, 5 David Bulbring, 4 Steven Cummins, 3 Tom Botha, 2 Edgar Marutllule, 1 Lizo Gqoboka.
Subs: 16 Albe de Swardt, 17 CJ van der Linde, 18 Steven Sykes, 19 Aidon Davis, 20 Kevin Luiters, 21 George Whitehead, 22 Ntabeni Dukisa.
Photo: Michael Sheehan/Gallo Images
