Bulldogs aim to bite Boland

THE Border Bulldogs will be looking to take a giant step towards qualifying for the SuperSport Rugby Challenge quarterfinals when they travel to Ceres to take on the Boland Kavaliers today.

The Bulldogs currently sit second on the log with 15 points, five ahead of the Eastern Province Kings.

A bonus point win for them today against Boland, coupled with a possible loss for the Kings against unbeaten Western Province, would put the Bulldogs in a very strong position with three group games remaining.

“We really want to win this one with a bonus point. If we can, it could put us on the verge of qualification for the quarter-finals,” said Bulldogs coach David Dobela.

“Looking at the practice this week I think the guys are really looking forward to the match and they will be up for it.”

Only three changes to the team have been made since their last game two weeks ago, all of them coming in the back line.

“We have gone for a change at centre to freshen things up, with Somila Mantyoyi coming in and Lunga Dumezweni moving to the bench,” said Dobela.

“Ntabeni (Dukisa) has gone back to the Kings, so we have had to shuffle a few players around, with (Sonwabiso) Mqalo moving back to fullback and (Siyasanga) Ncanywa coming off the bench onto the wing.”

The forward pack has, however, remained unchanged after their impressive showing last time out against the Kings.

The Bulldogs took on the Kavaliers in the first round, winning 28-25.

“It is going to be a very tough game and I think Boland are going to come hard at us,” said Dobela.

The match kicks off at 3pm in Ceres, while the Kings and Western Province will be playing at the same time in Cape Town.