Ungerer embraces chance to step up for Kings

After scoring two tries on his Guinness PRO14 debut, robust scrumhalf Stefan Ungerer aims to make the Isuzu Southern Kings No 9 jersey his own this season.

Ungerer, who arrived from the Pumas last month, delivered a strong showing despite the Kings going down 38-31 to European champions Leinster at the Madibaz Stadium on Sunday.

“I will take the tries when they come and luckily the ball bounced in my direction,” Ungerer said.

“Now I am looking to make that starting berth mine as much as possible. I arrived in Port Elizabeth last Friday and watched the Kings match against the Scarlets.

“I joined in training on Monday and I remembered some of my calls from last time when I played for the Kings in Super Rugby. My teammates also did a lot to help me settle in.

“I was excited to play after a two week break after representing the Pumas in the Currie Cup. So I was looking forward to getting back on the field for my first PRO14 game against northern hemisphere opponents.

“I felt the game was physical and flyhalf Martin du Toit and loose forward Ruaan Lerm made me feel at home on my PRO14 debut.”

Ungerer feels PRO14 is more physical than the Currie Cup.

“With the strong wind we had for the game, there were lots of stoppages, but when play got going it was relatively quick.

“I don’t think I was in the best of shape when I came here last time from the Sharks and I also had a injury when I arrived.

“I needed some rehabilitation at that time,” he said.

“As South Africans playing in Europe, we must bring something different. We might not always have the biggest pack so we have to have another edge.”

If Ungerer can continue with the form he showed against Leinster, the strong-running No 9 could be the catalyst in a Kings revival during the second half of the season.

As South Africans playing in Europe, we must bring something different