A try at the death by replacement back Masixole Banda, which he converted in wet, windy and cold conditions, however, earned the team a valuable bonus point, which lifted them off the foot of the Conference B standings.
The hosts showed their intent early on with a try out wide in the second minute, but the half proved to be tightly-fought as both teams retained possession on attack and ran hard at the defence, but battled to break through.
The Isuzu Southern Kings were rewarded with a try four minutes before halftime as Dries van Schalkwyk crashed over from a pick-and-go, while the Cardiff Blues were reduced to 14 men, to level the scores at 7-7 going into halftime.
The visitors added their second try compliments of Michael Willemse two minutes after play resumed thanks to a powerful driving maul, but the teams were level at 12-12 shortly after as the hosts scored the first of three second-half tries. Their bonus point try, however, was scored with the Isuzu Southern Kings a man short as Tertius Kruger was sent to the sin bin.
Coach Deon Davids’ men continued to fight until the end and their patience on attack saw Banda dive in and convert the try in the 80th minute to secure the bonus point for losing by seven points or less.
Isuzu Southern Kings – Tries: Dries van Schalkwyk, Michael Willemse, Masixole Banda. Conversions: Bader Pretorius, Masixole Banda.
Cardiff Blues – Tries: Owen Lane, Nick Williams, Olly Robinson, Jason Harries. Conversions: Jarrod Evans (3).
