The Southern Kings and Edinburgh face off for the first-time ever this weekend when Richard Cockerill’s side head to Port Elizabeth in the Guinness PRO14. What’s at stake: The Kings are still searching for their first victory of the season after their heartbreaking loss to the Scarlets last time out. But Edinburgh will be on their guard given that Deon Davids’ side have picked up four bonus points in their last two outings. Edinburgh came up short against the Toyota Cheetahs last time out and will be out to ensure their South African tour returns some valuable points as they aim to stay in the hunt for a Champions Cup play-off berth. Team News (Southern Kings) The Kings came oh so close to a first Guinness PRO14 win last time out and the team remains largely unchanged as a result. Harlon Klaasen looks set to come into midfield – there are still to be some late changes due to availability – while Kurt Coleman starts again at No.10. In the pack there are no changes but Lubalo Mtyando comes on the bench as second-row cover. Team News (Edinburgh) Head coach Richard Cockerill has welcomed back six members of Scotland’s successful Autumn Tests squad. In the backs, Phil Burleigh returns to partner James Johnstone in the centre after making his international debut off the bench in last Saturday’s record 53-24 win over Australia at BT Murrayfield. In the pack, Simon Berghan links up with hooker Neil Cochrane and fellow international prop Rory Sutherland who makes his first start of the season at loosehead. In the second-row, Grant Gilchrist also returns from Scotland duty to partner club captain Fraser Mckenzie. Fijian international Viliame Mata keeps his place in the back-row and is joined by the experienced duo of Jamie Ritchie and Cornell du Preez, both of whom joined the squad in South Africa following their contribution to Scotland’s Autumn Test campaign. Talking Points On his Edinburgh team selection, Richard Cockerill said: “I’m delighted to have some of the Scotland guys come out and add to the squad. There’s obviously a good vibe around what they’ve achieved over the last few weeks, so you’d like to think that will have a ripple effect on what they do now they’re back with us. And on the threat posed by the Kings: “They are a dangerous team. They have a lot of pace in their back three, are very lively at fly-half, and as you would imagine, have a big forward pack. We’ve worked hard again this week and are going into the game with a positive mindset around how we’re going to play. “These points are going to be important when the season comes around to qualifying for Europe or trying to push for a top-three spot if we can. We won’t be taking the Kings lightly however. They pushed Ulster and Scarlets all the way in their last few games so we’ve got to get things right on Friday night.” Kings head coach Deon Davids: “My main message to the team this week has been that they must show patience when on attack and endeavour to play in the right areas of the park. We did a lot of good stuff against Scarlets but spent too much time in our own half. We also need to keep our mistakes to a minimum,” he added Key Battle: No one has made more metres in the Guinness PRO14 than Edinburgh full-back Blair Kinghorn. His 683m, and ten clean breaks tell you everything you need to know about his attacking prowess and the Kings will need to keep a close eye on the youngster. But they also have Yaw Penxe set to line up at full-back, he has also spent time on the right wing this season, and with four tries to his name already it could be a blockbuster battle in the back three. Key Stat The Kings most recent home victory was 35-32 against Sharks in Super Rugby on 13 May. Did you know? Edinburgh’s five-game winning run in all competitions ended in Bloemfontein on Friday, whilst their record on the road in the Championship this season is now won two lost three. Southern Kings: Yaw Penxe / Masixole Banda; Michael Makase, Harlon Klassen, Berton Klaasen, Volmink Anthonie / Bock Alshaun; Kurt Coleman, Rudi van Rooyen; Schalk Ferreira (capt), Stephan Coetzee, Rossouw de Klerk; Stephan Greeff, Bobby de Wee; Andisa Ntsila, Martinus Burger, Ruaan Lerm. Replacements: Alandre van Rooyen, Luvuyo Pupuma, Pieter Scholtz, Lubabalo Mtyanda, Dries van Schalkwyk, Godlen Masimla, Barend Janse van Rensburg, Jacques Nel Edinburgh: Blair Kinghorn, Dougie Fife, James Johnstone, Phil Burleigh, Duhan van der Merwe, Jaco van der Walt, Nathan Fowles, Rory Sutherland, Neil Cochrane, Simon Berghan, Fraser McKenzie, Grant Gilchrist, Viliame Mata, Jamie Ritchie, Cornell du Preez Replacements: Cameron Fenton, Michele Rizzo, Murray McCallum, Ben Toolis, Luke Crosbie, Sam Hidalgo-Clyne, Chris Dean, Glenn Bryce Match Officials: Referee: Stuart Berry (SARU, 6th competition game), Assistant Referees: Cwengile Jadezweni, Rodney Boneparte (SARU), Citing Commissioner: Nomsebenzie Tsotsobe (SARU), TMO: Johan Greeff (SARU) TV: At Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, Port Elizabeth, 7.30pm. Live on SuperSport (RSA) Guinness PRO14 Final 2018 Ticket Information: Fans can save up to 20% on selected tickets, and prices start at just €30 for adults and €5 for children, and can be booked via www.ticketmaster.ie
