‘Slow starts slaying Southern Kings’

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 their previous game against the Dragons, the Kings found themselves trailing 17-0 after 21 minutes and were forced to play catch-up.

Sunday’s clash at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Port Elizabeth 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,” Willemse said.

“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 catch-up rugby from there.

“But I am still very proud of the guys. We are showing some good signs, 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.”

After Sunday’s clash, 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,” Willemse said.

“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 back foot.

“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 the Wolfson Stadium last year, Ulster scraped home 43-36 in a thriller that produced 11 tries.

The lead changed hands repeatedly in the final 20 minutes as the sides traded blows.

The try scorers for the Kings at the Wolfson Stadium were Berton Klaasen (2), Yaw Penxe (2) and Michael Makase.

The Kings displayed the same attacking mindset against the Dragons last week and, despite going down 27-22, there were tries for captain Willemse, Bjorn Basson, Godlen Masimla and Penxe.

Attacking fullback Michael Botha could be back in action for the Kings on Sunday.

A groin strain forced Botha out of the Kings clash against the Dragons.

“We are happy with the progress Michael is making and a call on his availability will be made on Friday,” team doctor Gershwin Kortje said.

“Michael will continue to be monitored.

“Scrumhalf Sarel Pretorius remains on the injury list.”