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Cape Town - The Kings have praised Cheetahs wing Willie le Roux whose stunning break just before half-time proved vital in helping his side to a 34-22 Super Rugby win in Port Elizabeth on Saturday.
Le Roux was responsible for unlocking the tight Kings defence in the last minute of the first half, sending centre Johann Sadie over for their first try to take a 13-12 lead.
And Alan Solomons, the Kings director of rugby, believes that was the moment which turned the game on its head.
VIDEO: Kings v Cheetahs, highlights
GALLERY - Super Rugby - Round 15
"I thought both teams were a bit flat in the first half," Solomons told Die Burger's website.
"It was like two boxers trying each other out and then came that break from Willie le Roux just before half-time."
It sparked a try-blitz from the Cheetahs who went on to score three more times at the beginning of the second half to seal a bonus-point victory.
Kings captain Luke Watson also felt Le Roux's break changed the momentum of the game. "We can't fool ourselves.
They are a good team - one of the best attacking teams in the competition.
"We always knew questions will be asked of our defence and it's disappointing that we allowed them to get so far ahead," said Watson.
The Kings remain rooted at the bottom of the South African conference, trailing the Stormers by 10 points ahead of their clash at Newlands on Saturday.
The Cheetahs, on the other hand, are now fourth on the overall log and second in the SA conference. They host the Bulls in Bloemfontein on Saturday.
Le Roux was responsible for unlocking the tight Kings defence in the last minute of the first half, sending centre Johann Sadie over for their first try to take a 13-12 lead.
And Alan Solomons, the Kings director of rugby, believes that was the moment which turned the game on its head.
VIDEO: Kings v Cheetahs, highlights
GALLERY - Super Rugby - Round 15
"I thought both teams were a bit flat in the first half," Solomons told Die Burger's website.
"It was like two boxers trying each other out and then came that break from Willie le Roux just before half-time."
It sparked a try-blitz from the Cheetahs who went on to score three more times at the beginning of the second half to seal a bonus-point victory.
Kings captain Luke Watson also felt Le Roux's break changed the momentum of the game. "We can't fool ourselves.
They are a good team - one of the best attacking teams in the competition.
"We always knew questions will be asked of our defence and it's disappointing that we allowed them to get so far ahead," said Watson.
The Kings remain rooted at the bottom of the South African conference, trailing the Stormers by 10 points ahead of their clash at Newlands on Saturday.
The Cheetahs, on the other hand, are now fourth on the overall log and second in the SA conference. They host the Bulls in Bloemfontein on Saturday.
