Kings look to Fouche for direction
The inclusion of Fouche ahead of Elgar Watts is one of four changes made by Kings coach Deon Davids to starting line-up.
The changes stem primarily from players who have returned from injuries sustained during pre-season.
At hooker Edgar Marutlulle gets a starting berth, with Jacobie Adriaanse taking up position at tighthead prop – having returned from a concussion sustained during a pre-season match against the SWD Eagles.
There are two changes in the backs – Stefan Watermeyer in for JP du Plessis at outside centre, while Fouche replaces Watts at flyhalf.
Davids said Fouche's experience – the 26-year-old earned 23 Super Rugby caps with the Bulls before a stint with the Black Rams in Japan – will be vital for the Kings.
"We are happy that Louis has recovered fully from his injury," the coach said.
"He has been working very hard in the training session and brings something different in terms of his place kicking and field kicks," Davids added.
Davids said Fouche would also play a role in on field decision making.
"He has the ability to take the ball to the gain-line and play a kicking game," the coach said, adding: "Defensively he is also very strong and he is an experienced campaigner and calm player.
"I think at this point in time he can give the team a bit of direction."
Davids said Watts has done a "sterling job ", but there are aspects of his game he knows he can improve on.
Southern Kings: 15 Jurgen Visser, 14 Luzuko Vulindlu, 13 Stefan Watermeyer, 12 Shane Gates, 11 Malcolm Jaer, 10 Louis Fouche, 9 Ntando Kebe, 8 Jacques Engelbrecht, 7 Thembelani Bholi, 6 Chris Cloete, 5 John-Charles Astle, 4 Steven Sykes (captain), 3 Jacobie Adriaanse, 2 Edgar Marutlulle, 1 Schalk Ferreira.
Replacements: 16 Sithembiso Sithole, 17 Martin Bezuidenhout, 18 Tom Botha, 19 Schalk Oelofse, 20 Cyril-John Velleman, 21 Kevin Luiters, 22 Elgar Watts, 23 Jaco van Tonder.
Date: Saturday, March 12
Venue: Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, Port Elizabeth
Kick-off: 15.00 (13.00 GMT; 02.00 Sunday, March 13 NZ time)
Referee: Jaco van Heerden (South Africa)
Assistant referees: Jaco Peyper (South Africa), Rodney Bonaparte (South Africa)
TMO: Johan Greeff (South Africa)
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