De Bruin’s 85th-minute try consigns Kings to eighth straight loss

An 85th-minute try from Luan de Bruin ensured Cheetahs claimed back-to-back Pro14 victories as fellow South African side Southern Kings suffered their eighth defeat in a row.

Kings, whose only win in this year’s competition came in September, were on course for a draw when they were awarded a penalty try with eight minutes remaining.

Yet Cheetahs’ decision not to attempt a long penalty was rewarded when De Bruin, who had earlier spent time in the sin bin, dotted down long after time had expired to seal a 24-17 triumph.

It was Cheetahs’ fourth win of the season, and their third in the last four, with Kings cut adrift at the bottom of Conference B having won just one of their 12 games to date.

Sibahle Maxwane’s early try and Tian Schoeman’s subsequent conversion for Cheetahs were the only points of the first half, with Kings back on level terms when Ntabeni Dukisa went in two minutes into the second period.

Junior Pokomela’s score restored Cheetahs’ lead but a penalty try levelled matters before De Bruin bundled in from close range to secure the win.

A dramatic conclusion in Port Elizabeth as @CheetahsRugby snatch the win after the siren! 

Luan de Bruin the hero for the visitors, crashing over for an 85th minute score to topple @SouthernKingsSA! #GUINNESSPRO14 #KINvCHE pic.twitter.com/atkILQ1AJ0

— PRO14 RUGBY (@PRO14Official) January 18, 2019

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