PRO14 COMPETITION
Time is short for new-look Southern Kings to ‘find their feet’
It will take the Southern Kings a year or two to kick into top gear in the new enlarged European championship, says Pro14 rugby boss Martin Anayi. Hit by an exodus of senior players after Super Rugby, Kings head coach Deon Davids has been forced to start an urgent rebuilding programme. The Kings have just seven days to sort out a competitive unit ahead of their opening match against champions Scarlets in Wales on September 2. "I would say we would need to give them [the Kings] a year or two to kick into gear," Anayi said. "The Cheetahs are Currie Cup champions and have fantastic depth. They have a few injury problems at the moment at flyhalf, but once they come back they have three or four contenders at 10 for global honours. "The phrase ‘hotbed’ is used a lot, but it really does apply to both the Free State and Eastern Cape, for different reasons and that is what excites us. A little bit of latitude for them to get it right, and they will come good."
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