TOUGH GOING IN PRO RANKS
Embattled side racking up tries as going gets tough in Pro14 campaign
Kings on backfoot way too much
While their exuberant attacking spirit may be winning them friends, the Southern Kings are not experiencing any charity on the field.
Despite a worryingly long list of Guinness Pro14 defeats, the Kings have been racking up tries at the Madibaz Stadium.
In their past two matches they have scored nine tries during narrow defeats against Scarlets and champions Leinster.
Even their admiring rivals have joined in the applause.
The problem for the Kings, though, is that as many tries as they score their opponents still manage to outscore them.
So far they have only won one of their opening eight matches as they battle to make headway in the European league.
The two losing bonus points they picked up against Leinster moved them above the Dragons on the Conference B table.
In those eight matches, the Kings have scored 23 tries and conceded 38.
Against Leinster, Yaw Penxe, Stefan Ungerer (2), Lupumlo Mguca and Dries van Schalkwyk all crossed for five pointers. Scott Fardy also highlighted the quality of the hosts’ attack.
“It was a tough contest,” said Fardy. “Hats off to the Kings, they pushed us all the way and played some good footy in tough, windy conditions.”
Leinster coach Leo Cullen also had praise for the Kings.
“We know the Kings have been going well,” said Cullen.
“They had a big win against Glasgow and were very unlucky last week against Scarlets to lose at the end.”
The Kings have a break this week before they start preparing for their next match against Irish side Connacht at the Madibaz Stadium on November 25.
During the break some Kings players will be able to return to action after injury.
Loose-forward Andisa Ntsila has been laid low by a knee injury and the Kings have also lost skipper Michael Willemse and livewire lock Bobby de Wee to shoulder injuries.
Tighthead prop Luvuyo Pupuma was unavailable for selection against Leinster after sustaining a shoulder injury.