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Port Elizabeth - Kings director of rugby Alan Solomons is disappointed with their 58-13 loss to the Sharks but said their main focus was on the upcoming Super Rugby promotion-relegation matches against the Lions.
“I would say you have to see this game in context, for us, our focus after the Stormers was firmly on the promotion-relegation matches, and a lot of the guys who played on the weekend, haven’t had much Super Rugby game time and have not played together as a combination. All those factors came into the mix, but we have had to look at the bigger picture," said Solomons.
Solomons was nevertheless disappointed in his young side note, who conceded 10 tries at Kings Park.
As it happened: Sharks v Kings
VIDEO: Kings v Lions play-off promo
“We played very poorly. We made a lot of errors and the Sharks capitalised on those errors, which resulted in points,” said Solomons.
Solomons said the errors had run through the entire game, with among others, fractured set piece, disappointing lineouts and poor handling skills.
“Our ability to stem their mauls was extremely poor. Three of their first four tries resulted from their driving maul, which we were unable to stem.
“We also failed to stop their momentum. They are a momentum side. We just gave them enormous yards. If you fail to stop them and allow them to build up momentum, then you’re in big trouble,” he said.
Despite the result, Solomons said he was impressed with the performance of youngsters Aidon Davis, Shane Gates and Siviwe Soyizwapi, all of whom were a credit to the work being done by the Kings Academy.
The Kings will now break briefly before regrouping ahead of the first clash at home against the Lions in two weeks' time.
“The players will be given a break until Thursday morning, when we will regroup and start preparations for the first promotion relegation game, which is on the 26th of July,” said Solomons.
“I would say you have to see this game in context, for us, our focus after the Stormers was firmly on the promotion-relegation matches, and a lot of the guys who played on the weekend, haven’t had much Super Rugby game time and have not played together as a combination. All those factors came into the mix, but we have had to look at the bigger picture," said Solomons.
Solomons was nevertheless disappointed in his young side note, who conceded 10 tries at Kings Park.
As it happened: Sharks v Kings
VIDEO: Kings v Lions play-off promo
“We played very poorly. We made a lot of errors and the Sharks capitalised on those errors, which resulted in points,” said Solomons.
Solomons said the errors had run through the entire game, with among others, fractured set piece, disappointing lineouts and poor handling skills.
“Our ability to stem their mauls was extremely poor. Three of their first four tries resulted from their driving maul, which we were unable to stem.
“We also failed to stop their momentum. They are a momentum side. We just gave them enormous yards. If you fail to stop them and allow them to build up momentum, then you’re in big trouble,” he said.
Despite the result, Solomons said he was impressed with the performance of youngsters Aidon Davis, Shane Gates and Siviwe Soyizwapi, all of whom were a credit to the work being done by the Kings Academy.
The Kings will now break briefly before regrouping ahead of the first clash at home against the Lions in two weeks' time.
“The players will be given a break until Thursday morning, when we will regroup and start preparations for the first promotion relegation game, which is on the 26th of July,” said Solomons.
