EP Kings take flak for 'lily-white' team

EASTERN Province (EP) rugby boss Cheeky Watson has been forced to explain why the EP Kings fielded a team with no players of colour, bar an overseas import, in its starting line-up.

This comes after the team crashed to a heavy 53-14 defeat against the Cheetahs in Bloemfontein on Friday.

Watson said injuries had robbed the Kings of several key players of colour for their crunch first-leg Currie Cup promotion showdown at the Free State Stadium. The ambitious Kings were the centre of attention on Friday as fans from around the country focused their attention on how South Africa's newest Super Rugby franchise would fare against a top-tier outfit.