A team full of character(s)

The Southern Kings enjoyed a well deserved bye this past weekend after a tough ten weeks. As the competitions draws to an end with only 4 rounds left, two at home against the Cheetahs and Stormers and two away against the Bulls and Sharks, the Kings will be looking to throw all their cards on the table.

The Southern Kings team is build on character and during these last 10 games that character was tested on so many occasions. Coming close in the games against the Sharks and the Chiefs, a big lose against the Crusaders and showing some fighting spirit against Hurricanes. It all just gave the Kings momentum and made them a stronger unit as they drew level in Canberra against the Brumbies and a week later won their first game on their first tour against the Rebels.

The team suffered some disappointment as they returned to South Africa with a big lose against the Bulls at home. Their inexperience against the Cheetahs cost them at least a bonus point and the Waratahs just took them apart, but when a team is build on character they play for each other, they have a never say die attitude and they play with heart not big names.

Their character came through strong against the Highlanders, they looked more focused and played with purpose. The Kings scored four tries on the night and their defense held on when it counted the most. The Highlanders came out strong towards the end and after the Kings threw away a comfortable lead they had to work hard in the end, but it all payed off with a 34 - 27 win.

A team build on character will always have a few characters to add spice on the field. One of those characters must be Luke Watson. Watsons leadership was evident against the Highlanders, leading from the front and scoring two of his teams four tries. Watson struggled to get back into rhythm after his injury but it seems like he is back to form and it can only be beneficial to the team.

Before the start of the season you would have said Cornell who? Jacques Englebrecht is a First Division player and Sergeal Petersen is fresh out of school and Super Rugby will end his playing career. Some would have question the ability of Demetri Catrakilis as your first choice flyhalf. And the likes of Andries Strauss, Steven Sykes and Ronnie Cooke. 

Well Cornell du Preez was named man of the match against the Highlanders he's also been one of the strongest ball carriers for the Kings and someone that gives everything every game. Jacques Engelbrecht came to the Super Rugby scene when he replaced Luke Watson in the first game and i'm sure he's never looked back. Some of the bigger unions must be regretting not getting their hands on him. Engelbrecht or "Vleis" as he is known has gained many meter for the Kings with ball in hand and has left many opponents on their backs with his crunching tackles and storming runs. 

Sergeal Petersen fresh out of school scored two tries on debut for the Kings and was named man of the match in his very first Super Rugby game. Petersen was rewarded for his performances playing in the Kings jersey by being named in the SA u20 squad. The Stormers must be kicking themselves for letting the "Greek" go, opting for Elton Jantjies and not investing in the flyhalf that won them the Currie Cup last year. Catrakillis is in the top 10 of everything that involves the boot and has kept the Kings alive in all their games. He's been a great asset to the Kings.

Many would have said their players careers are over, but Strauss, Sykes and Cooke had still alot to offer for this young team. Their playing and leadership has been vital and their input has been irreplaceable for the future of this Kings team.

With only four games remaining, one can only predict more exciting rugby from the Kings and they need to back themselves to beat the Cheetahs and the Stormers at home.