Kings still holding out hope
The Southern Kings will have to come from behind if they are to retain their Super Rugby status, but the Port Elizabeth-based outfit will run the race to the bitter end.
It was a losing bonus point, for finishing within seven points in their 19-26 loss to the Lions on Friday, that gives the Kings hope of winning the two-match series.
Kings captain Darron Nell admitted the bonus point was vital in their cause, especially after they went behind 14-26 with just over 10 minutes remaining in the match.
"We got to go up to Johannesburg next week and win by more than seven points," Nell said, adding: "We know what we need to do and we have to plan accordingly.
"We must look at the things that went wrong and work on that – that will improve our game massively."
The Kings skipper – standing in for injured first- and second-choices captain Luke Watson and Andries Strauss – admitted it was not a good day at the office.
"The guys did really well at stages, but there were times on attack that we weren't great," he said.
"The Lions kept the ball better than we did.
"We couldn't get our set phases [going], to get started in the game. That is something we can look at, we can work on this week and come back next week with a better effort."
The Kings will also be sweating over the fitness of star flyhalf Demetri Catrakilis, who limped off in the second half.
"Demetri is a key player to us," Nell said, adding: "But saying that George [Whitehead] came on the field and I think he did really well.
"We'll go back next week, see how Demetri is doing and get our plans together."
