Ruaan Lerm to lead Kings against Glasgow Warriors

Oct 31 • General News, Guinness Pro14 • 1351 Views • Comments Off on Ruaan Lerm to lead Kings against Glasgow Warriors

Isuzu Southern Kings No8, Ruaan Lerm, will lead the side as captain when they take on Glasgow Warriors, at Scotstoun Stadium on Friday, November 1.

Lerm will lead a side that sees a single change to the forwards pack, with an additional positional switch, to the team that narrowly went down to Benetton in Treviso last week.

Workhorse loose-forward, Thembelani Bholi, who came off the bench last week, has been slotted in at blindside flanker in the starting XV. Bobby de Wee, who donned the No7 jersey last week, will shift to No4 lock where he replaces JC Astle.

“We’ve made a few subtle changes in the forwards with Thembelani Bholi coming in at flank. I thought he played a vital role when he came on last week. He’s presence was felt with his ball carrying, and he also had two critical steals when he came on,” confirmed interim Head Coach, Robbi Kempson.

In the backline, following an elbow injury to Demetri Catrakilis last week, the versatile JT Jackson will get a start in the No10 jersey this week where he will form a half-back pairing with scrumhalf, Josh Allderman.

Erich Cronje will also earn his first starting berth at outside centre, as Sibusiso Sithole shifts from No13 to wing where he takes the place of Josiah Twum-Boafo.

“Josh Allderman was pretty much man of the match for us last week. He had an excellent game, and will remain as the starting scrumhalf. With the unfortunate return home of Demetri Catrakilis, we have managed to bring in JT Jackson at flyhalf this week,” said Kempson.

“Erich Cronje, who brought a lot of energy when he came on, will be at outside centre. He impressed us and gives us a variety of options with regards to his boot. Sithole moves out to the wing to give us that bit more experience in a fairly young backline.”

The Isuzu Southern Kings have received a boost after securing the services of Scott van Breda on a short-term loan from English Premiership side, Worcester Warriors.

Van Breda has linked up with the side for the remaining two matches of the tour, and will provide backline cover from the bench.

The 27-year-old is no stranger to the side having been part of the Eastern Province Academy and also playing Super Rugby for the Isuzu Southern Kings in 2013.

“To bring in some experience, we managed to get Scott van Breda from Worcester,” the interim Head Coach confirmed.

“He is not new to us, he was part of our academy a few years ago and has been playing professional rugby in the UK now for almost six years. He played for Jersey Reds and now Worcester in the English Premiership. He brings a wealth of experience, and, more importantly, he covers almost every position in the backline from No10 all the way across to No15.”

Siya Masuku, who made his debut last week, will again province flyhalf cover from the bench.

Teenage scrumhalf, Gavin Mills, will also be in line to make his Isuzu Southern Kings and Guinness PRO14 debut from the bench this week.

The Isuzu Southern Kings can expect a tough encounter against a Glasgow Warriors side that is still licking their wounds following an 18-5 defeat to the Dragons last week.

“Glasgow unfortunately lost last week to the Dragons, and that will never help us arriving at their home turf. They do have the option of a few of their Scottish internationals back from World Cup duty. Another battle is expected – no question,” said Kempson.

“I think we’ve bolstered our pack nicely with the return of Bholi. Yes, we have a fairly young backline, but we are certainly confident that they will produce the goods. It’s quite an exciting young team.

“If we are ever going to grow this province going forward, we can’t continue doing the same thing with the same personnel and expect a different result. It’s a great opportunity for the youngsters to take their chance and make the step up.”

Kick-off for the match is 21h35.

Isuzu Southern Kings