Kings ready to make Super statement
Veteran prop Ross Geldenhuys, speaking after an impressive 31-30 win over the Jaguares in Buenos Aires at the weekend, said they want to make it difficult for the South African Rugby Union to axe them.
Their win at the weekend was the fourth win in six matches.
Dwindling crowds, shrinking TV audiences and a ridiculous format have forced SANZAAR – the competition organisers – to reduce the teams from 18 to 15.
South Africa have to cull two of their six teams and one Australian side among five – either Melbourne Rebels or Western Force – will also drop out.
SARU plan to announce the two casualties this coming Friday, but the Kings hope their form and impressive run in the last six rounds has given SARU food for thought.
Even if their name is read out as one of the two teams to be axed this coming Friday, they plan to leave egg over SARU;'s faces when they face the Bulls in Pretoria a day later.
"We need to wait for the powers that be – SANZAAR and SARU – to reveal what is to happen," Geldenhuys said after the win in Buenos Aires.
"If it is the Pro12 it is the Pro12, if it is Super Rugby, it is Super Rugby," Geldenhuys said, adding: "We just need to focus on the next game.
"The more we win, the harder it will be for us to be left out.
"We must focus on the next game, against the Bulls – it is going to be a massive game.
"They are going to be motivated for the game."
* Meanwhile The Kings arrived back in Johannesburg from their trip to Argentina in good spirits on Monday.
The team travelled to Sun City, where they will camp for the rest of the week in preparation for their encounter with the Bulls at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday.
Team doctor Konrad von Hagen was pleased that the side returned with no major injury concerns following the gruelling encounter with the tough Jaguares.
Von Hagen was pleased to announce that with the exception lock Wilhelm van der Sluys, who had suffered a concussion in the Buenos Aires match, there were no other injury casualties in the team.
The Southern Kings – who have beaten the Sunwolves, Waratahs, Rebels, Sharks and Jaguares this season – have two remaining fixtures.
They face the Bulls on Saturday and the last round encounter with the Cheetahs in Port Elizabeth.
