Kings need to hit straps much faster
Skipper adamant it’s a matter of time before side bag elusive victory
Slow starts are killing the Isuzu Southern Kings and it is an issue that must be fixed before Sunday’s game against Ulster, captain Michael Willemse said.
In the previous game against the Dragons, the Kings found themselves trailing 17-0 after 21 minutes and were forced into playing catch-up rugby.
Sunday’s clash at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium is the Kings’ first home Guinness Pro14 game, and they are desperate to get on the winning track after defeats against Zebre and the Dragons.
“Obviously we did not get the start we wanted to against the Dragons,” said Willemse.
“It was a big focus of ours and we want to have a closer look at it. Slow starts are killing us. We were 17 points down early on and it was pretty much catchup rugby from there.
“But I am still very proud of the guys and we are showing some good signs and making strides and putting things together.
“I feel we are very close to a win. I know it will be a tough few weeks ahead of us, but we remain optimistic about things.”
After Sunday’s clash against the Dragons, the Kings host the Glasgow Warriors before matches on the road against Scarlets (September 29) in Wales and Bennetton (October 6) in Italy.
“We must cut out silly errors and carry on with a bit of continuity in terms of when we get into the opposition 22. Then we must come out with points rather than to give away penalties.
“That gives our opponents an easy exit and that it is putting us on the backfoot. But the group is getting stronger and stronger.
“We are looking forward to be being back in Port Elizabeth for a massive game against Ulster.
“They have come off two narrow wins so they will come out firing to keep their winning streak going. This will be a huge one for us.”
When the sides met at Wolfson Stadium last year, Ulster scraped home 43-36 in a thriller that produced 11 tries.
If the sides adopt the same attacking mentality on Sunday, the crowd are in for a spectacle of running rugby.
At Wolfson Stadium the lead changed hands repeatedly in the final 20 minutes as the sides traded blows.
The try-scorers for the Kings at Wolfson Stadium were Berton Klaasen (2), Yaw Penxe (2) and Michael Makase during an absorbing contest.
The Kings displayed the same attacking mind-set against the Dragons last week, and despite going down 27-22, there were tries for captain Willemse, Bjorn Basson, Godlen Masimla and Penxe.
Consecutive defeats has left
minutes into game Kings were trailing
Kings head coach Deon Davids concerned about the quality of rugby his team are playing.
He has also demanded an improved showing from his forwards who he feels can do better.
Ulster arrived in South Africa with wins over Scarlets and Edinburgh under their belt.
After their game against the Kings, the Irish side travel to Bloemfontein to face the Cheetahs.
The Kings are expected to name their team on Friday.