The EP Kings had to work hard, but in the end prevailed against the SA Students Team in Port Elizabeth on Tuesday, beating the assembled side 36-19 in the NMMU Stadium.

The students, who got together on Sunday, played well from the start and the Kings only had a 14-12 lead at the break.

The visitors showed up well in the scrums and with their captain Justin Wheeler to the fore, managed to force the Kings into mistakes at the breakdown.

In the midfield, local student Howard Mnisi showed some deft touches and prevented a certain try with great defence in stopping winger Marcello Sampson on his way to the tryline.

Sampson and former Springbok winger Jongi Nokwe did manage three tries between them with the latter scoring a brace and showing that he has not lost any of his express pace.

Francois du Toit (hooker) also impressed for the Students.

The Students now play Namibia in Windhoek on Saturday.

POINTS:

EP Kings 36 (14). Tries: Jongi Nokwe (2), Marcello Sampson, Cornel du Preez. Conversions: George Whitehead (3), Wesley Dunlop.

SA Students 19 (12). Tries: Joe Seerane, Francois du Toit, penalty try. Conversions: Andrè Kemp, Franna du Toit.