Kings cross fingers tide has finally turned

THE bubble-bursting victory over the Dragons will bring players out of their shells and allow them to express their talent better, Southern Kings skipper Michael Willemse said.

After a 16-game Pro14 losing streak, the Kings finally got on the winning track when they thrashed the Dragons 45-13 at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium.

The Kings outscored the Welsh outfit by six tries to one to end their Pro14 drought in style after enjoying a slender 14-13 lead at the break.

Livewire centre Luzuko Vulindlu crossed for two tries and Masixole Banda, Ruaan Lerm, Anthonie Volmink and Bobby de Wee also joined the try feast.

“A first win will help us going forward and the guys will come out of their shells and express themselves more,” said Willemse. “This team wants to play with passion and show our talents. We want to enjoy ourselves on the field. Lots of the guys have come to Port Elizabeth after showing their talent around the country.

“A massive talking point for us ahead of the Dragons game was our belief in one another. I said to the boys before the game that we should prove something to ourselves, rather than to anyone else.

“We wanted to prove our worth and we did that. After the first half, when we got into the shed, we thought we had lost a couple of good opportunities. However, we felt we had good momentum.

“You could see the boys enjoyed themselves against the Dragons and that was a first this season. Everyone can see what we are capable of doing once we start enjoying ourselves a bit. Hopefully we see a bit more of that.”

Willemse said the team had grown as a unit over the past 17 games after they were hastily assembled last year.

“During this tournament we have learned a hell of a lot in terms of the manner in which we have trained on tour. The way we trained on the first tour to Europe was completely different.

“I think we have adapted well in terms of that. Going forward those little changes are going to help.

“Against the Ospreys we thought we had made massive strides forward. Then against Leinster the tempo and physicality with which they played really caught us offguard.

“We decided before the Dragons game that it was more about a mental battle than a physical battle for us. We collectively agreed on that.

“The entire team stuck their hands up against the Dragons and I am very proud of them. But it does not stop here. We need to carry on for the last four games of the season.”

With four matches left in the competition, the Kings will be hoping the Dragons win sparks a late season revival.

The Kings’ remaining games are against Benetton Treviso (March 24), Munster (April 7), Cardiff Blues (April 14) and the Cheetahs (April 27).