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Southern Kings vs Highlanders Sat 11 May 2013
Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium
Half Time Southern Kings 20 Highlanders 17
Final Score: Southern Kings 34 Highlanders 27
The match day programme said it all: ‘In the merciless world of Vodacom Super Rugby, it is imperative to recover as quickly as possible following a major disappointment. This is exactly what the Southern Kings need to accomplish today following last week’s setback against the Waratahs.... Yes they could - with a 4-try bonus point!
The first ten minutes was all the Kings and the pressure resulted in two quick penalties out in front for Demetri Catrakilis. The Kings were 6-0 up and the Highlanders had hardly seen the ball. Luke Watson was extremely prominent on attack and there was also a very good break from inside centre Andries Strauss. The finishing touch was missing however, and the Highlanders eventually got into the opposition half in the 15th minute. The New Zealanders won a penalty and Colin Slade made no mistake to take the score to 6-3. On 20 minutes Slade missed a penalty from bang out in front but on the 10-yard line. The Kings had dodged a bullet but the Highlanders were clearly growing in confidence.
On 30 minutes the Southern Kings were rewarded for sustained pressure and Luke Watson crashed over for the try which was converted by Catrakilis. The lead was 13-3. That try clearly stung the Highlanders into action and on 34 minutes flyhalf Colin Slade chip kicked the rush defence and collected to score under the posts. He duly converted to make it 13-10 to the Kings. Three minutes later the Highlanders struck again, big Brad Thorn scoring out wide. The conversion was good and in a blink it was the Highlanders who led 17-13. Now it was the Southern Kings turn to be stung in to action. On the hooter they won a lineout on the 5-yard line and again it was Luke Watson who dotted down after another impressive rolling maul. He pumped the air in delight at scoring his second try of the evening. The passion was back, no matter what people might have to say about Luke. He is an inspirational leader and he had got his team back in front. Catrakilis slotted a difficult conversion and it would have been a very happy Southern Kings outfit who went into the break leading 20-17.
The second half started confidently for the Kings and a long range penalty on 41 minutes was just out of range for Catrakilis. The game came alive on 50 minutes when Cornell du Preez crashed over after a well worked move to take the score out to 27-17 with the conversion. Five minutes later Bandise Maku broke through the defence and slipped the ball out to scrumhalf Shaun Venter who dotted down for the four try bonus point. Catrakilis converted and the Kings were out to a 34-17 lead.
On 70 minutes and after a long series of attacks on the line the Highlanders finally scored through the centre Shaun Treeby. A costly missed conversion and the Kings led 34-22. Three minutes later Hosea Gear scored but again Colin Slade missed the conversion. Kings led 34-27 with 5 minutes to play. They hung on grimly for a famous victory. A massive display of guts and determination after the heavy loss the week before to the Waratahs. Now the Kings get to enjoy a well deserved bye next weekend and then they host the Cheetahs here at the NMB stadium on 25 May. Well done Kings!
