Spirit, guts spark Kings’ victory

EMOTIONAL Southern Kings head coach Deon Davids said enduring spirit and guts had sparked his team to an epic 35-32 Super Rugby win over the Sharks.

Davids’ view was shared by disappointed Sharks coach Robert du Preez, who said passion had carried the Kings home in front of 22 000 ecstatic fans at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium.

It was a special night for the Kings as they celebrated their first win over South African opposition in Super Rugby, and also their third win on the trot.

“It is all about character and the guys showed a lot of that tonight [Saturday]. They kept fighting right up until the end,” Davids said.

“For me that is special. It is not always talent that wins you games. It is about the spirit, guts and willingness that the guys have to carry the team over. That was special in terms of this win.

“It was a hard-fought battle. I always believed towards the end that we could win it. After we conceded a try I just sent out a message that we must stick to our plan.

“That was to put the Sharks under pressure and kick off to win the ball back, and play in their half. For 80 percent of the second half we were under tremendous pressure.

“We were in our own half and we conceded penalties and the Sharks kept coming back with penalties, and they were getting back into the game.”

Sharks coach Du Preez said it had been a very disappointing night for his team.

“We can’t really have any complaints and we got outscored by four tries to two. Obviously Pat Lambie’s injury was quite a setback for the team in the first half.

“But we have capable players to fix that issue.

“I am not sure of Pat’s condition.”

Lambie, the Sharks captain, left the field after an awkward collision with his fullback Rhyno Smith. He was replaced by Garth April.

“This is fantastic for the Kings, and they have been playing good rugby all year,” said Du Preez.

“So that is great and it is what we need in South Africa, to have sides like the Kings who perform well against a team like the Sharks. I thought the Kings played really well.”

The Kings will be hunting for a fourth win in a row when they host Australia’s Brumbies at home on Saturday.