Injury cloud hangs over Kings
Former South African Schools lock and new signing Phillip du Preez is recovering from an ankle injury, while No.8 Aidon Davis and flyhalf Louis Fouche are both still out with knee injuries.
Utility back Jaco van Tonder is still recovering from an anterior cruciate ligament injury he sustained last year, while scrumhalf Kevin Luiters is making his way back from a strained calf. Lock Cornell Hess was sent home on Monday due to illness.
There were also few more injury concerns after the Port Elizabeth team's contact session against the NMMU Madibaz last week, although the injuries are described as "minor".
Davids said that centre Lukanyo Am had sustained a bruised knee, while fullbacks Malcolm Jaer and Jurgen Visser both had tight hamstrings, which would be monitored ahead of the Southern Kings clash against the SWD Eagles in their first official warm-up match in George on Friday.
"It is obviously a concern when you have a long injury list before the start of the season, but we are doing the best that we can under the current circumstances," said Davids.
Despite the injuries, the 47-year-old coach said he was thankful for the hit out against the Madibaz.
"It was the best practice that we could ask for. The NMMU guys really gave us a go.
"I think we were really tested on defense and on attack, but I'm happy with the way we responded," Davids added.
From an attacking point of view, Davids said there was room for improvement in continuity and keeping the ball through phases. He was also not happy with the tackle count on defense.
The Kings first official warm-up game against the South Western Districts Eagles at Outeniqua Park in George on Friday will give Davids the opportunity to look at some of his new recruits leading up to Super Rugby.
"Going into our first official friendly our focus will shift, and we will begin to focus more in terms of testing combinations, as well as at improving on our performance from the NMMU game," he added.
