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Southern Kings in surprise draw against top of the log Brumbies

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Southern Kings Head Coach, Matt Sexton, said he was really happy with the three points collected by the Southern Kings in the surprise draw against top of the log Brumbies in Canberra, Australia today.

The Southern Kings, who were down 14 to 19 at half time, played a gutsy 80 minute game to draw 28 a piece against Brumbies in a nail biting display of top calibre rugby in front of 12 076 spectators.

“We’re really happy with the three points. We went out there to match their physicality and make sure that we stop their momentum because they’re a very dangerous side and we did that, we ticked those boxes well and truly,” said a happy Sexton.

Sexton said he was very impressed by the character shown by the side and their ability to play 80 minutes.

Commenting on the fact that the Kings were able to draw with just 37% possession during the game, and being one man down for 10 minutes near the end of the second half, after Schalk Ferreira was given a yellow card in the 67th minute, Sexton attributed the achievement to the heart of the team, their defence and conditioning.

“It’s a massive testament to what the conditioning staff have done over the off season. The strain you get put under when you’re a man down at that late stage, and the guys were still fine. They’re a fit side and they have worked really hard over the off season to get that done, then coupled with some massive defence,” he said.

Asked about Ferreira’s yellow card, Sexton said he had not had a chance to review the footage up close yet, and could therefore not comment on the issue.

“There were a few silly mistakes that caused turnovers and a few bits and pieces. Don’t really think we got the rub of the green for a couple of decisions, which was a bit disappointing, but that’s the way it is,” he said.

Sexton also praised the work done by Siviwe Shakes Soyizwapi, who flew up to join the team on Sunday after Hadleigh Parkes broke his arm against the Hurricanes last weekend. Soyizwapi was originally on the bench,  after Elric van Vuuren sprained his ankle during the Captain’s Run yesterday. He then moved up to start at Fullback after concerns around Demetri Catrakilis’ knee during the warm up saw him move to bench at 22 and George Whitehead move to 10.

“We had some late changes to things and Shakes came on and played admirably. He was fresh of the plane for us this week so he hasn’t had time to really find his feet, but despite that he played really well,” he said.

Sexton said Soyizwapi, along with Sergeal Petersen and Rynier Bernardo, who had all come through the Kings Academy, were true testament to the local talent in the province.

He also commended Wimpie van der Walt, whose performance on the field secured him the title of Man of the Match.

“Wimpie had a huge game he inserted himself into a lot of mid sections of Brumbies players tonight and they will all be going off licking their wounds,” he said.

Southern Kings Director of Rugby, Alan Solomons said he was extremely proud of the team and what they had accomplished; “The thing about us is that we’re not a team of stars, we’re a star team,” he said.

“The identity of the team is character, courage and commitment and that has been built on the back of a potent conditioning and potent defence. The cornerstone of our game is our conditioning and defence,” he said.

Solomons said all credit had to go to the players, who had put on an incredible performance, despite a few mistakes.

“We made mistakes, our discipline was poor and gave away too many key penalties, one of which resulted in a try. Our kick execution from exiting our own half was poor between our tryline and 10m line, and catching the half way kickoffs was poor, which put us under a lot of stress,” he said.

Looking forward to the Rebels game next weekend in Melbourne, Solomons said they were thankful for the eight day turn around, and would not be underestimating the Rebels. He said the team was travelling to Melbourne tomorrow and would then do a bit of recovery and review of the game, before getting a much needed Sunday off.

“Then we can really get stuck in and have a full week to prepare for the Rebels, we are certainly not taking them for granted. They are a desperate side that is desperate to get their competition back on track and we know it is going to be a tough game,” he said.

Scorers:

  • ACT Brumbies: 28 (14) – Tries: Henry Speight, Joseph Tomane; Penalties: Christian Lealiifano (4), Nic White
  • Southern Kings: 28 (9) – Tries: Cornell du Preez (2), Schalk Ferreira, Wimpie van der Walt; Conversions: George Whitehead (3), Demetri Catrakilis

The Southern Kings earned 2 points for the draw and by scoring 4 tries they added a bonus point.

This places the Southern Kings in position 12 (on 13 points) on the Super Rugby table ahead of Western Force (10 points), Rebels (9 points)  and Highlanders (6 points).

South African teams ahead of the Kings are Stormers (15 points), Cheetahs (18 points) , Bulls (19 points) and Sharks (21 points).

44 of the 125 Super Rugby games have been played.

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Alan Straton

Chief Cook, Bottle Washer and Broom Mechanic at MyPE
Passionate about Port Elizabeth and definitely NOT packing for Perth. Alan's ethos is epitomised in the words of Nelson Mandela; "I have fought against white domination and I have fought against black domination. I have cherished the idea of a democratic and free society. If need be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die." See more articles by Alan.