Big guns in Kings line-up for semi

THE EP Kings have brought back all their big guns, including explosive Samoan international wing Paul Perez, for Friday's crunch Absa Currie Cup First Division semifinal against the Leopards at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium (kickoff 7.10pm).

Regular skipper Luke Watson also returns, after taking a break last week, in a revamped side that will be bidding to reach next week's final against the winners of the Pumas versus Griffons clash.

The explosive Perez was banned for one week after he was red- carded for repeatedly punching a Pumas player two weeks ago.

In what is expected to be a close match, the powerful Perez will be a key player for the Kings in an eagerly awaited showdown.

"Paul has put his sending off behind him and like everyone else in the team he will go out and deliver his best," Kings' director of rugby Alan Solomons said yesterday.

"Paul is a mature individual and there were a number of circumstances which led to the red-card incident. The matter has now been dealt with and I think the sentence of just one week speaks volumes," Solomons said.

EP Kings' assistant coach (backline) David Maidza said Perez had been looking good in training and had been "very sharp on the ball".

The Kings yesterday named a totally revamped team compared to the side that beat the Leopards 23-20 in Potchefstroom on Friday.

"We feel this is the best team we can put out at this point," Solomons said.

"There is a general principle of no rotation at the business end of the season. We have to pick what we think is the best team."

If the Kings beat the Leopards on Friday they will secure a home final and retain their unbeaten record in the competition.

The Kings team is: SP Marais, Marcello Sampson, Wayne Stevens, Tiger Mangweni, (v-capt), Paul Perez, George Whitehead, Falie Oelschig, Schalk Ferreira, Hannes Franklin, Clint Newland, Cornell du Preez, Darron Nell, David Bullbring, Wimpie van der Walt, Luke Watson (capt).

Replacements: Frank Herne, Charl du Plessis Wayne van Heerden, Mpho Mbiyozo, Scott Mathie, Wesley Dunlop, Siyanda Grey,