- Video
-
Club Roar
Captured a great grassroots sporting moment? We want to see it!Content Collections
The Roar Community
- Join
- Login
That empty feeling still hasn’t quite disappeared, but even if you count among the most bitter of Lions supporters, you cannot ignore the fact the Southern Kings are doing South Africa proud.
Forget the mess South Africa Rugby Union made of the process of handing the Kings their Super Rugby debut.
Put aside for a second the popular notions the franchise did not earn its place in the competition and that Eastern Province Rugby Union president Cheeky Watson is a politician with a shady agenda.
Turn your focus rather to the squad of players who are defying the odds week in and week out in the world’s toughest provincial rugby competition.
Led by an awesome group of loose forwards, these guys simply ignore the negativity projected towards them by the majority of the SA rugby public. They don’t care about the politics, they just want to play rugby.
That gutsy draw they pulled off against the Brumbies last week was only the sixth time a South African team ever left Canberra without losing the fixture.
As a Lions fan I take my hat off for the absolute determination of the Kings and the never-say-die attitude of the players.
The men from the Eastern Cape’s on-field passion and spirit has made a mockery of the listless performances of teams like the Wallaby-laden Waratahs. And as far as results go they have delivered a much better debut season so far compared to previous newbies the Rebels and Western Force.
In fact, after three years of Super Rugby, the Rebels look like they are heading on a downward curve instead of improving.
Frankly, looking at the performances of the teams at the bottom of the Australian conference heading into week nine of the competition, the question could be asked why the Rebels have more of a right to play in the Super Rugby than the Eastern Cape franchise.
Speaking of deserving teams, after a slew of positive results, the ever-improving Cheetahs have shown they don’t count among the tournament’s whipping boys any longer.
Adriaan Strauss’ team will be gunning for a franchise-record fifth consecutive Super rugby victory this weekend.
Add to the mix the credentials of the traditional local powerhouses in the Sharks, Stormers and Bulls, and the argument can be made South Africa could succeed with six franchises in the tournament easier than Australia having five.
The signs are there the Kings will only improve if afforded an extended run in the competition. And, notwithstanding the Lions’ struggles in their last few years in Super Rugby, we know they can be a major force if they get their house in order.
A six/four conference split between the SA and Australian franchises could be in the best interest of both countries.
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.