2013 Season Preview: Kings

by Paul Cook –

The Southern Kings are without question the unknown quantity in this year’s Super Rugby competition. Making their debut in place of the Lions of Johannesburg, the team from the Eastern Cape will be itching to get underway after the false starts that thwarted their participation in previous years but just how competitive they can be in year one is open to debate.

They’ve recruited some experience in the likes of former Springbok, Stormers and Bath back rower, Luke Watson alongside Steven Sykes from the Sharks and Waylon Murray and Bandise Maku from the Lions and they will also have a strong New Zealand influence with former ITM Cup players Hadleigh Parkes and Daniel Adongo on board, in tandem with Cantabrians Matt Sexton as head coach and Brad Mooar as one of his assistants.

The rest of the squad is largely unknown outside of the Currie Cup and while there is a reputed abundance of young talent ready to emerge onto the international scene – Junior Springbok winger Sergeal Petersen being one – the ability of those relative novices to step up on to the big stage will play a large role in determining their fortunes.

General expectations outside of the Cape are low but with a loyal fanbase, a superb stadium and a team that’s been chomping at the bit for this opportunity, underestimate them at your peril.

Rugby News spoke to Luke Watson, the new side’s inaugural captain, about the excitement building around the Kings debut and some of the challenges they face in their first season.

The Eastern Cape has been dreaming of a Super Rugby team for a long time, now it’s finally happening – what’s the buzz like around Port Elizabeth?

Luke Watson is the inaugural captain of Super Rugby’s newest team

Luke Watson: “There is an incredible atmosphere in Port Elizabeth, everyone is ecstatic about the upcoming season. It’s history in the making. It’s the first Super Rugby franchise that will be playing out of the Eastern Cape so there is definitely a buzz around town.”

Is everybody ready to go?

LW: “We have just come out of a gruelling preseason in preparation for the Super Rugby tournament and we are now ticking the last few boxes of preparation. It has been tough but very rewarding and we would like to think that we are in the best possible shape going into the competition. The entire squad and management are all raring to get going.”

Can you as players believe it’s about to actually happen?

LW: “We can. We’ve worked incredibly hard over the past couple of months leading up to this moment. It really is a dream come true.”

What has been the hardest part of the transition into a Super Rugby team – the on field preparation, the off field preparation or simply trying to gel so many new players/coaches/support staff into one cohesive unit?

LW: “I suppose its all been a challenge. When it comes to ‘on-field’ preparation, nothing beats hard work. There is no other way or shortcut so we’ve put in the hours and done the necessary work. The team has gelled incredibly well and still continues to do so. We are all very united in the common cause and the vision of the Southern Kings.”

What are the realistic targets for your first season?

LW: “It’s difficult to say. I think the best way of describing our realistic target is to be competitive and to play to the best of our abilities. It might come across as a bit of a cliche but that’s honestly the best answer I can give at the moment, other than ‘we’ll wait and see’.”

It took the Cheetahs 5 years to rack up their first win overseas – how important a part of the season is adapting to the challenge of travel and picking up points away from home?

LW: “It separates the competitors from the contenders. If you want to contend for a top position then you have to pick up points away from home. There is no way around that.”

You are the captain of the side and a former Springbok with plenty of Super Rugby & international experience under your belt. How important is your role in leading and mentoring some of these young guys through this experience?

LW: “We are fortunate enough to have a few highly experienced guys and it’s going to be hugely important for us to lead from the front. The youngsters will bring all the enthusiasm we could ask for and with the leadership from the older guys it could be a good balance.”

2013 Southern Kings Complete Squad

You must be very proud to have such a responsibility?

LW: “I am. It’s a great honour and privilege. It comes with a lot of extra responsibility but it’s very much worth it.”

The South African Conference will be closely fought again with the Stormers, Sharks & Bulls looking to improve on their impressive form of recent years and the Cheetahs aiming to turn their improvement into a genuine threat. Who is the team to beat in 2013?

LW: “That’s a difficult one to answer as all the South African sides are looking good. Having said that, I think the Stormers definitely have one of the strongest teams on paper and it could be a very good year for them.”

How about the across the competition generally – who do you like the look of in New Zealand and Australia?

LW: “The Crusaders are always good so expect them to be right up there come the play offs. It will be interesting to see how the Chiefs perform without Sonny Bill Williams, he was such a significant part of their game plan. In Australia, it would be great to see the Reds play the sort of rugby that won them the trophy two years back. Beautiful rugby and quality players.”

What can Super Rugby fans expect from the Southern Kings?

LW: “The unexpected! I think we are all waiting to see what the Southern Kings can do as a team and what they are going to bring the party. It’s a very exciting time.”