The Southern Kings have conceded 26 tries and shipped a scary 200 points in four games - the most by any team. They’ve also scored the least number of points - a mere 76. But, they’ve got a fantastic chance of registering their first Super Rugby win of the season this weekend.
What they’re going to need though is a defensive effort of Herculean proportions because, it seems, that is all that’s standing between them winning and losing against the Sunwolves, in Port Elizabeth tomorrow.
Deon Davids’ men haven’t been embarrassed on their return to Super Rugby and at times have given far bigger and more experienced teams plenty to think about, but their tackling has been woeful and they’ve struggled to go the full distance.
They’ll, however, be a confident bunch after pushing the Hurricanes all the way last weekend, while they also started strongly against the Crusaders the week before - both in New Zealand. They were also well placed in the initial stages of their first two games, against the Chiefs and Sharks, in Port Elizabeth, before being hurt in the second half.
To register their first win this year though they’ll need to show determination and grit for the full 80 minutes and hope the Sunwolves don’t hit top form.
The men from Japan have played some sparkling rugby and scored some sensational tries in their debut season, but, like the Kings, have yet to get over the finish line. They lost to the Bulls by just three points last week and also came close against the Cheetahs, a one-point loss.
Both teams will know this might be their best opportunity to register a win in the competition as there are not too many teams with weaker defences and poorer records.
Davids has stuck largely to the same side that ran out against the Hurricanes last weekend, but wasn’t able to pick backs Luzuko Vulindlu and JP du Plessis, who both suffered concussion. Also, Aidon Davis comes into the side at No 8 in place of Jacques Engelbrecht.
The match kicks off at 5.05pm. - The Star