KINGS TAMED IN ATTEMPT TO SLAY DRAGONS
Port Elizabeth-based side fall after mounting a spirited fight back in an action-packed PRO14 clash
After coming close to slaying the Dragons in their den, the Isuzu Southern Kings will take fresh momentum into their clash against Ulster in Port Elizabeth on Sunday.
The Kings mounted a stirring comeback after falling behind 17-0 in an action-packed Guinness PRO14 clash at Rodney Parade on Saturday.
At the end, the Dragons escaped with a 27-22 win.
At half -time, the Dragons held a 17-10 lead, and they were left hanging on at the end after the Kings scored a late try via the explosive Yaw Penxe.
Afterwards, Dragons coach Bernard Jackman admitted his team rode their luck against an attack-minded Kings outfit.
“I am frustrated that we didn’t kick on at 17-0, but we spoke last week about how we are trying to get some timing together,” Jackman said.
“They got their gander up and we got a bit nervous. That played into their hands, but we just needed to win by hook or by crook to settle everybody down.”
“Our physicality was exceptional. We were making big hits, but we got a bit narrow and they are probably the team in the competition who will attack that space on the outside better than anyone else,” he continued.
Wales and Lions eighthman Ross Moriarty played the full game on his debut after his summer move from Gloucester and earned Jackman’s praise.
“Moriarty was excellent for 80 minutes,” said the former Ireland hooker.
“He said that he felt sluggish, so I am looking forward to seeing him when he is feeling better because I thought that when we needed him, he gave us that go-forward.”
Ollie Griffiths opened the scoring and Aaron Wainwright got his name on the board before the Kings’ Michael Willemse struck back.
Bjorn Basson also touched down in the first half and Godlen Masimla’s converted try brought the scores level heading into the final quarter.
But Lewis notched his second penalty and then converted his own score, meaning Penxe’s late effort secured a bonus point but couldn’t steal the win.
A scintillating first half at Rodney Parade saw Griffiths touch down after four minutes.
Lewis missed with a monster penalty effort but more points would soon come as Wainwright charged down a penalty kick to make it 14-0.
Lewis made it 17-0 but the Kings rallied, with skipper Willemse crashing over after a lineout.
The deficit was further reduced just minutes later as former Springbok Basson raced down the touchline. Scorers: Dragons 27: Tries: Ollie Griffiths, Aaron Wainwright and Josh Lewis. Conversions: Lewis (3).
Penalties: Lewis (2).
Southern Kings 22: Tries: Michael Willemse, Bjorn Basson, Godlen Masimla and Yaw Penxe;
Conversion: Masixole Banda.
They got their gander up and we got a bit nervous. Bernard Jackman
Dragons coach