Battle lines are drawn
Old Boys-Swallows no dead rubber
NEWLY-crowned Border Super League Champions MPM Old Selbornians and last year’s champs, Swallows, will be looking to set the Sisa Dukashe Stadium alight when they take on each other in their final match of the season on Sunday morning.
Old Boys and Swallows open a crackerjack day of rugby action ahead of the SuperSport Rugby Challenge semifinal that follows afterwards.
Old Boys sealed the league title last weekend by beating Fort Hare and, therefore, qualified to represent Border at the Gold Cup later this year.
Despite not having much to play for, Old Boys can finish unbeaten if they get the win over Swallows which would seal the deal on a perfect season.
“It is going to be a massive game,” Old Boys coach James Winstanley said.
Old Boys have named a very strong squad for the match, however they will come up against a Swallows side that has a number of Border players in it, which will certainly make things tough.
“So the match will be an enormous challenge and pride will be at stake for both teams,” said Winstanley.
Swallows, sit nine points behind Old Boys on the Super League log and although they cannot catch them, they will be looking to finish as high as possible, with a win sealing second place in the league for them.
“It is unfortunate that we won't be representing Border in the Gold Cup, but we are still happy where we are at the moment and we want to end off on a high,” Swallows rugby president Zuko Matyeshana said.
“We were the first team to beat Old Boys in two years last time and I think we will do it again on Sunday.”
Swallows played in the last SuperSport Rugby Challenge festival at Sisa Dukashe, where they comfortably beat Winter Rose and they will want to pick up another win in front of their home fans and that will give them a great boost.
“We are looking forward to the game and it is going to be a great match,” said Matyeshana.
“After the last match I received a number of calls from other provinces about my players, so I am sure the guys will be keen for that exposure again.”
Despite it being considered a home match for Swallows, being closest to their homeground, Winstanley still thinks it is going to be a cracking encounter.
“We know it will be daunting in front of a partisan crowd but I think it will be in good spirit, credit to the fans in Mdantsane, they are very passionate about their rugby and I think it will be a fantastic atmosphere,” said Winstanley.
The SuperSport Rugby Challenge Festival kicks off with Old Boys taking on Swallows at 10am on Sunday, with the Lions v Griquas and Western Province v Bulls semifinals following after.
Tickets for the festival can be collected from the Sisa Dukashe Stadium in Mdantsane from early in the morning on the day. The teams are: Old Boys: Akhona Makalima; Sesethu Time, Mihlali Tyokolwana, Duran Alberts, Marcel Swanepoel; Naythan Knoetze, Siya November; Craig Green, Craig Shone, Kevin Klinkradt, Thabo Sisusa, MJ Le Larquand, Ndima Gwavu, Paul Warner, Andisa Gqobo
Reserves: Dylan Pieterse, Qhama Hina, Ryan Pieterse/Roy Bursey, Antonio van Heerden, Shane Spring, Siya Mgobo, Lwando Makongola
Swallows: Yanga Xakalashe; Mbeko Kota, Lwando Mabenge, Mzwandile Yalezo, Ayabonga Nomboyo; Sokhupa Xakalashe, Lelo Gemashe; Athenkosi Manentsa, Yongama Mkhaza, Nkululeko Ndlovu, Siyasanga Pati, Somila Mantyoyi, Siphosethu Tom, Lelethu Gcilitshane, Siyasanga Ncanywa
Reserves: Vuyisani Mavuso, Siyamthanda Ngande, Onke Gqadushe, Mlungisi Bali, Lukhanyo Siyobi, Anele Zweni, Aphiwe Stemele