IT was the bold warning delivered three weeks ago in Sydney that could derail the Brumbies’ finals hopes.
Having shocked the Super Rugby competition by defeating the Waratahs at Allianz Stadium, the Southern Kings’ star five-eighth Lionel Cronje declared they’d win plenty more games before the season was done.
Since then, the lowly Kings are undefeated, and now host the Brumbies next Sunday in a match that will have defining ramifications for the Australian conference.
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Most reflected on the woeful performance of NSW that night on April 21, and few heeded Cronje’s warning.
Lionel Cronje in action for the Kings.Source:AAP
“This isn’t going to be our last win,” Cronje said after the Kings won 26-24.
“We’re going to win plenty more games before the end of this competition, I can guarantee that.”
Since then, the Kings have hammered the Melbourne Rebels 44-3, had a bye, then last weekend produced another huge shock by defeating the high-flying Sharks 35-32.
The Brumbies’ form has gone in the opposite direction, losing four games in a row after a blazing start that made it unlikely they’d be knocked off top spot in the Aussie conference.
While the Canberra side still leads the conference, their 19 points is looking precarious as the Reds (16), Waratahs (14) and Western Force (13) mount late charges.
It is no coincidence that the Kings’ winning run started after SANZAAR confirmed next year;s Super Rugby tournament will be cut from 18 to 15 teams, leaving the Kings as a likely candidate to be axed from the South African franchise, which Cronje had touched on in Sydney.
“It’s a true testament to the character of the team and the way that these men have stood up to these challenges,” Cronje said.
“It’s definitely been an emotional three weeks for us, to get the news while we were on tour.
“It’s really put pressure not only on our coach and not only on the players and the administrators, but pressure on our families.”
Originally published as King’s prophecy haunts Brumbies
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