Killian out to kill the Bulls in bullring

DYNAMIC Southern Kings wing Michael Killian has urged his teammates to “take the Bulls by the horns” when they travel to Loftus Versfeld for a Super Rugby showdown on Saturday.

“You have to be confident when you take on a star-studded team like the Bulls,” was the advice Killian issued ahead of what promises to be the Kings’ toughest assignment yet of their Super Rugby campaign.

Killian, whose appearances for the Kings have been limited by injuries this season, is well equipped to talk about Loftus because he was a regular visitor to the stadium when he played for the Lions.

Before joining the Kings last year, Killian played 58 matches for the Golden Lions and had 37 outings for the Lions.

“If you go to Loftus you cannot be negative. In that frame of mind you will be worried and could get beaten quite convincingly,” said Killian.

“I am looking forward to the challenge of going to Loftus and you have to match yourself against the best to be the best.

“When I was at the Lions we used to play the Bulls about three times a year in what they called the Trans-Jukskei derby. The funny thing was we often beat the Bulls at Loftus and then lost at Ellis Park.

“So my track record there is good, but you are only as good as your last game.”

Killian says he is now 100% fit and looking forward to the Kings’ final three matches and then their promotionmatches against the Lions.

“I was slightly unlucky in that I broke my arm in a warm-up game at the start of the season. Then, after I was declared fit to play, I broke it for a second time.

“But I am over my injuries now and feeling fit and healthy,” said Killian.

Asked whether the Kings would play a more attacking game at Loftus, Killian said the rookie franchise were adapting their game.

“You cannot just run anything back if there is a good defensive system in front of you. It comes down to experience and decision-making.

“Though we are looking to adapt our game it does not mean to say we will throw the ball around with gay abandon. Kicking and territory is also vitally important.”

The former Lions flyer says some of the pressure has been taken off the Kings because it has already been decided that they will play a promotion-relegation match against the Lions.

“We know we will play the Lions so that has taken some pressure off. In saying that, however, we still have three more South African derby games.

“If we can win one of them we will be the first team in Super Rugby history to win games in their debut season against all three of the countries taking part in Super Rugby.

“So the Kings are up for every challenge and we want to get that South African derby win and make history.”

Killian said the Kings would miss the leadership and playing qualities of injured skipper Luke Watson who has been ruled out of action for six months by an ankle injury.

“Luke is a fantastic player, but his leadership is also a massive loss. Luke is the sort of guy who, in the middle of a team talk, who will say something so inspiring that if there is a brick wall in front of you, then you will want to bash it down.”

Killian said he felt it had been a good move joining the Kings after a long spell at the Lions.

“It has been fantastic move and I have enjoyed every minute at the Kings. I am a local boy having been schooled at Muir College. This is a vibrant franchise with exceptional players and coaching staff.”

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