The Kings may struggle to improve on their 17th-place combined log finish last season, writes MARIETTE ADAMS.
The Port Elizabeth-based franchise were the worst in Super Rugby during their inaugural season back in 2013 and they were no better in 2016 upon their reinstatement in the tournament after a two-year absence (the Kings and the last-placed Sunwolves both ended on a lowly nine log points).
Last year it was a combination of their disrupted pre-season preparation, an inexperienced, and to an extent inadequate squad, plus a dreadful draw that culminated in coach Deon Davids’ team being the token whipping boys of the competition and a regular bonus point encounter for the opposition.
The Kings’ Super Rugby challenge was doomed before it began from the moment they had to front the mighty New Zealand sides in the Africa 2 conference draw.
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This year, they will avoid the Kiwi teams and take on the Australian franchises instead. But while this serves as a window of opportunity for the Jaguares, Lions and Sharks, it will still be a tall order for the team from Port Elizabeth.
The Kings will be seeking to erase their ‘perennial underachievers’ tag, but the mass exodus that hit the coastal franchise at the end of last season has to be factored in as well when assessing their chances of producing an improved performance.
Davids has once again been left to assemble an inexperienced, makeshift squad that has the potential to play an expansive attacking game, but can at any given time falter when placed under pressure.
The Kings’ 2017 Super Rugby outlook appears grim, but with games against the equally faltering Force, Rebels, Reds and Sunwolves, they may be able to spring a few surprises to elevate them from bottom feeders to mid-section contenders.
FORWARD TO WATCH
CJ Velleman
Implausible as it might seem, there were a few shining lights among the Kings’ otherwise dim player pool last season. One was Edgar Marutlulle – who has since moved on to greener pastures – and the other was Velleman. This rookie openside flank had a robust debut season, in which he emerged as one of the leading players in his position with little or no help from his teammates. The 21-year-old (he turns 22 in February), with his street-fighter approach, played a dynamic role for his struggling team as he remained a threat at the breakdown, provided a solid option in the lineout and tirelessly presented himself as a willing runner in open play. His admirable work rate, which saw him make 20 turnovers, 115 tackles, 198 running metres and beat 18 defenders, made Velleman an odds-on favourite for a place in the SA A squad to face the England Saxons last June, before a broken thumb scuppered his opportunity. Regardless of the Kings’ status, opposition teams will do well to recognise Velleman as a threat in any match situation.
BACK TO WATCH
Wandile Mjekevu
Mjekevu’s return to South Africa, and in particular to the Sharks, didn’t pan out the way he envisioned. After two fruitful seasons with French club Perpignan, a rejuvenated Mjekevu rejoined the Durban-based franchise in 2015, hoping to achieve what he had failed to do during his initial stint there: break into the Super Rugby team. Regrettably for the 26-year-old, he was last in the Sharks’ pecking order yet again and was loaned to the Kings mid-season in 2016. Mjekevu played four Super Rugby games for his new team with a healthy three-try return and was confirmed as player for the Kings in 2017. The speedster was somewhat of a cult hero at Perpignan, where he impressed with 16 tries in 36 games. There’s a sense that Mjekevu, who – alongside the halfbacks – operates across the backline, has yet to unleash his full creativity on home soil. If he remains fit, 2017 could be the year he does let loose and the Kings, not the Sharks, could benefit.
BIG SIGNING
Ross Geldenhuys (Highlanders)
The addition of this Super Rugby winner to the Kings’ squad is a big coup for the franchise. This prop will add much-needed depth to the Kings’ front-row stocks.
BIG LOSS
Edgar Marutlulle (Bulls)
The absence of Marutlulle will leave a massive void in the Kings’ pack. The tenacious hooker often fulfilled the role of an extra fetcher for the Kings, but will play for the Bulls from 2017.
2017 FIXTURES
25 February: Jaguares (h)
4 March: Sunwolves (a)
11 March: Stormers (h)
18 March: Sharks (a)
25 March: Lions (h)
BYE
9 April: Force (a)
15 April: Reds (a)
21 April: Waratahs (a)
29 April: Rebels (h)
BYE
13 May: Sharks (h)
20 May: Brumbies (h)
28 May: Lions (a)
BREAK FOR JUNE TESTS
1 July: Jaguares (a)
8 July: Bulls (a)
14 July: Cheetahs (h)
PRE-SEASON REPORT: Border make Kings sweat
2016 NUMBERS THAT MATTER
403 – Missed tackles (rank 1)
158 – Yellow cards (rank 3)
1,631 – Tackles (rank 7)
4,700 – Metres run (rank 18)
78 – Offloads (rank 18)
Source: Vodacom Rugby Stats App
2016 RECORD
13.3%
Won: 2
Lost: 13
PREVIOUS LOG FINISHES
2013: 15th
2014: DNP
2015: DNP
2016: 17th
Note: The Kings had not played in the competition before the 2013 season
FAST FACT
Of the 34 squad members who left the Kings after last year’s Super Rugby, six joined French clubs, three went to Japanese sides and one signed for an Italian team.
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Photo: Richard Huggard/Gallo Images
