KZN looking for 2nd Craven Week win

The KZN boys got their tournament off to a winning start beating the Golden Lions 18-16 at the death on Tuesday.

Maritzburg College wing Xolisa Guma was the star of the day, scoring a try in the corner in the final moments of the game to clinch the match and earn himself the Coca-Cola® Hero of the day award.

After a positive performance, KZN head coach Rudi Dames was upbeat ahead of their second clash of the tournament.

“Moving forward we are not thinking about the final yet. If you watched the game between SWD and Eastern Provice, EP have some quality players and it was a very energetic game. We are focused on them,” Dames said.

Looking back to the Lions game, Dames was proud of the attitude his players showed.

“I think the boys really put their bodies on the line. We knew we had to meet the Lions physically if we wanted to stand a chance because they had a good side. Every single player did that and it’s something you can’t coach – heart. The boys really showed a lot of it,” Dames said.

Despite the first match coming down to a last-gasp try, Dames believed his charges could get the result.

“We were very excited but in the change room I asked the boys, ‘did you ever feel you were going to lose that game?’ They said never and I think it showed. We never panicked, although we didn’t get a couple of penalties or finish the one try. The boys had that belief – I’m very happy with the win.”

Dames also sang praises of the young Guma for his match-winning try.

“He is a very enthusiastic boy, he’s a team player, and he’s one of the guys you want to take on tour because he is fun and energetic. I was just happy that he could finish it off in such style. It will boost his confidence and I think he is a player to watch.”

KZN face EP at 15h00 today.

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