Johannesburg – The EP Kings named Darron Nell as their third captain of the season to play the Sharks in the Currie Cup rugby premier division in Durban on Saturday.
Nell stands in for fellow lock Steven Sykes, who took over when Luke Watson was ruled out of the rest of the season with concussion.
Sykes has been sidelined with a knee injury suffered against the Free State Cheetahs last weekend.
Nell leads a pack which, due to injuries, shows several changes from the eight who had the edge against the Cheetahs.
Both props Tom Botha (elbow) and Lizo Gqoboka (rib) have been ruled out and are replaced by CJ van der Linde and Charles Marais.
On the side of the scrum, Stefan Willemse replaces Shaun McDonald, while loose forwards Thembelani Bholi and Tim Agaba should add an exciting edge from the bench.
“Due to the injuries we had to make changes up front,” Kings coach Carlos Spencer said.
“I do believe these guys can do the job. There's a good mix of youth and experience so it's up to them to make the most of their opportunities.”
Spencer said he was happy to see Bholi back from injury and was looking forward to Agaba's impact from the bench.
“There will be plenty of enthusiasm from Tim and he's a good ball player, so it will be interesting to see what he can do,” Spencer said.
In the backline, experienced centre Tim Whitehead returns from a calf injury to partner Shane Gates, with Ronnie Cooke returning to wing ahead of Siyanda Grey.
“It was a tough call,” Spencer said of the decision on Grey.
“But we need good communication among the back three and we think Ronnie can provide that.”
The other change to the backline sees Tobie Botes getting a start at scrumhalf, with Kevin Luiters on the bench.
“We also have the option of moving Tobie to flyhalf if we want to bring Kevin off the bench.”
The Kings team: Siviwe Soyizwapi, Ronnie Cooke, Tim Whitehead, Shane Gates, Ntabeni Dukisa, Gary van Aswegen, Tobie Botes, Paul Schoeman, Devin Oosthuizen, Stefan Willemse, Darron Nell (captain), Steven Cummins, CJ van der Linde, Martin Ferreira, Charles Marais.
Replacements: Albe de Swardt, Charl du Plessis, Cameron Lindsay, Thembelani Bholi, Tim Agaba, Kevin Luiters, Scott van Breda.
– Sapa