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Coetzee inspires Ulster to victory over Kings

South African Marcell Coetzee played a big roll in helping Ulster beat his compatriots from the Southern Kings in their PRO14 fixture Ryan Wilkisky/BackpagePix

Former Springbok loose-forward Marcell Coetzee rock the shackles with a second-half try to help Irish side Ulster to a 28-7 victory over hosts the Southern Kings in their PRO14 clash in Port Elizabeth on Sunday.

Coetzee powered over from the base of the scrum for Ulster just past the hour-mark for his team's first try, with teenage winger Angus Kernohan adding a second and replacement flyhalf Angus Curtis a third score.

Scrumhalf John Cooney kicked three penalties as Ulster lead 9-0 at halftime, with starting flyhalf Billy Burns and fullback Peter Nelson adding conversions.

Captain Michael Willemse scored a try for the second week running for the Kings, with that effort converted by flyhalf Masixole Banda.

Ulster dominated possession in the first half, but only had three penalties to show for their efforts, with Cooney punishing the ill-discipline of the home side.

The Kings lost flank Tienie Burger to a yellow card midway through the opening period, but Ulster had two players sin-binned before halftime, with lock Al O'Connor carded for a shoulder charge and hooker Rob Herring for more foul play.

The Kings took advantage of the second card to score their only try just after the break as Willemse crossed over after a driving maul from the home side.

But restored to their full complement of players, Ulster began to turn the screw again and they extended their advantage when Coetzee showed strength to get the Irish's side opening try.

Kernohan is seen as a rising star at Ulster and he bagged his first ever senior try after coming off the bench to seal the game for the visitors.

The cherry on top came with the last play as Curtis crossed over for his maiden try for the visitors.