Kings ready to 'tackle' Cheetahs
Defence again holds the key for the Southern Kings, when they take on the high-flying Cheetahs in their all-South African derby match in Port Elizabeth on Saturday.
Although their defence has not always been the most effective – having let in the second most tries this season, their 46 tries conceded beaten only by the Rebels' 50 – the three wins and a draw the tournament rookies have achieved this season were as a direct result of their enthusiastic tackling.
They will need more of that against a Cheetahs team that is not only known for its ability to attack from anywhere, but has added a steely edge to its defence.
Currently in seventh place, one point short of a top six (play-off) spot, the men from Bloemfontein have made no secret of their determination to win at least three of their four remaining league fixtures.
That start against the Kings at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in a Super Rugby Round 15 encounter on Saturday.
"They've had an outstanding season and gained a lot of confidence from their tour, when they won three games on the trot," Kings Director of Coaching Alan Solomons said, when asked about the visitors to PE this weekend.
"They've also have not had a lot of injuries – good players who stayed fit, guys like Adriaan Strauss and Robert Ebersohn who are key features in their side.
"Obviously also guys like Coenie Oosthuizen and Heinrich Brüssow. Then there is a guy like Lappies [Pieter] Labuschagne, who's had an outstanding season."
Solomons feel the Cheetahs' strength is their ability to keep the ball in hand and play a high-tempo game.
However, the Kings boss feels defence will separate the men from the boys on Saturday.
"Defence will play a major role in the outcome of the game," Solomons told this website, adding that the Cheetahs' defence has improve "immeasurably" this year.
"It is something they have focussed on and defence will play an important role in the game."
The Kings boss feels his charges should be able to "hold their own" at set-piece time, but admitted it will require a huge effort.
"They have a very good set piece and with Adriaan Strauss at hooker it makes a massive difference.
"They have Coenie Oosthuizen as well. Their locks have done well, [Pieter] Labuschagne is a good line-out forward and also [Philip] van der Walt.
"However, our set pieces have gone reasonably well [this season] and it has been the consistency of selection that has helped – especially with regard to the set pieces.
"If our players play to their ability we should be able to hold our own in that aspect of the game."
By Jan de Koning
