The Lions managed to score two quick first half tries to seal a 19 – 12 win over the Kings at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Port Elizabeth, this past weekend.
The Lions took an early 14 – 0 lead within the first 15 minutes as both Jaco Kriel and Derrick Minnie scored tries for the visitors. Both tries were converted by Marnitz Boshoff.
Two minutes later, Kings flyer Sergeal Petersen managed to cross the line for his team’s first try. George Whitehead was unable to add the extra two as the Lions went into the half time break with a 9 point lead, 14 – 5.
With 20 minutes to go, the Kings managed to reduce the gap to two points when they received a penalty try after the Lions conceded several penalties on their own try line. The conversion was good by Whitehead as the Lions now held on to a two point lead, 14 – 12.
The Kings failed to take advantage of a 14 man Lions team after Minnie was yellow carded for his teams ill-discipline leading up to the penalty try. Replacement hooker, Robbie Coetzee, scored his team’s final try, and the conversion was missed by Boshoff as the final score ended 19 – 12.
Scorers:
Kings – Tries: Sergeal Petersen, Penalty Try. Conversion: George Whitehead (1)
Lions – Tries: Jaco Kriel, Derrick Minnie, Robbie Coetzee. Conversions: Marnitz Boshoff (2)
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well, Kings hardly down and out after losing most of their team…. still came within 7 of beating a full strength Lions Super Rugby side!
@robdylan (Comment 1) : for sure, I think its more mentally now, for them to realise they can compete against these big unions and actually beat them. Seems like its always that last 20 min
@pierre_mackie (Comment 2) : depth?
@robdylan (Comment 1) :
@robdylan (Comment 3) : that too, but if you dont back yourself for the win your depth wont help, look at the Lions in SR
A win is a win, pre season games are more to test out new combinations, but the win will give the Lions much needed confidence
In this game it was more the 1st 20min
The Madibas beating the Maties 46-29……abit of a hiding….flank Cloete dotting down 5 times. 8th man Agaba is looking really good!