A late defensive lapse cost the Kings against the Highlanders on Saturday, according to SARugbymag.co.za’s Opta-powered stats.

With 17 minutes left to play in Port Elizabeth, and against all expectations, the Kings trailed by just two points.

Yet despite the fact that the Kings had produced another gutsy performance to repeatedly thwart the Highlanders’ advances during much of Saturday's encounter, their resolve faded during the latter stages as the visitors ran in four tries towards the end of the clash.

At the final reckoning, the Kings will again question their porous defence, with 30 missed tackles allowing the Highlanders to ultimately score some soft tries and come away with a flattering 48-18 win.

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Photo: Richard Huggard/Gallo Images