The Kings’ greater appreciation for possession enabled them to remain competitive against the Blues on Saturday, according to SARugbymag.co.za's Opta-powered stats.

Coming into the clash, the Kings had conceded a whopping 384 points and 54 tries in eight games, with their only success this season coming in a hard-fought win over the Sunwolves. Last weekend, they suffered a 73-27 hammering at the hands of the Jaguares.

Yet, they produced one of their best performances of the season against the Blues, holding their own at the set pieces, and enjoying 49% of possession. In addition, the Kings made 346m to the Blues’ 354, while they only made 12 less carries. The hosts also completed nine offloads to seven.

However, the Kings will again lament some lapses on defence, with the Port Elizabeth-based side missing 31 tackles (19 in the first half), while the Blues were able to benefit from their dominance in terms of defenders beaten, and ultimately came away with a 34-18 win.

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Photo: Richard Huggard/Gallo Images