Bulldogs must knock spots off Leopards
IT IS the last chance saloon for the Border Bulldogs as they face a massive test against the Leopards in their Currie Cup First Division clash on Saturday afternoon.
The Bulldogs have to win their next three games if they are to stand a chance of making it into the competition semifinals, and that will be tested to the maximum when they do battle with the current second team on the First Division log.
“We have a chance to make the semifinals but we have to win the rest of our games going forward,” said Border Bulldogs coach David Dobela.
“It will be very tough to do but anything can happen, especially if we can get one over the Leopards this weekend.”
The Bulldogs will also be looking for confirmation that their past weekend’s win over the Eastern Province Kings wasn’t just a good performance against the competition’s weakest team and was indeed a turning point in their season and that they will be a lot more competitive going forward.
“It was a very good performance against the Kings, especially in the second half where the guys just clicked and played exactly how we wanted them to,” said Dobela.
“If they can play with that kind of intensity for 80 minutes in every game that we play, we can beat anyone on the day.”
The Leopards, however, are in the running to finish top of the log, which would see them get a home semifinal and final should they get there, so they will be gunning for the win.
They have been superior on attack and defence so far this season, with the side boasting the most tries in the first four rounds, meaning the hosts will have to step up their attack and deliver a solid defensive effort to counter the visitors. Malherbe (prop, neck) is also still out, while Oupa Mohoje is scheduled to return to the playing field this weekend after spending the last month sidelined with a rib injury.
Coetzee has retained the nucleus of the squad who have won five and drawn one of their seven internationals so far this season, with the three additions rewarded for their good form.
“Louis and S’bu have both performed well this season, and their inclusion gives us an opportunity to work closely with them,” said Coetzee.
“They are both in-form players and are making good decisions on the field in their respective positions. Their inclusion and exposure to this level will continue our process of building depth in certain positions.
“Louis has been there before, but we’re excited to expose S’bu to the Springbok environment – he is in excellent form and we are excited to work with him.”
Louw, a seasoned international flank, will bring along more experience and leadership to the team, who have been hit by long-term injuries among the loose-forwards.
“Francois is an experienced looseforward who has always performed well for us,” said Coetzee.
“He is still regarded as one of the best opensiders playing towards the ball and forcing turnovers.
“Francois will also add to our leadership group and importantly for us, he still has a burning desire to play for the Springboks.”
The Springbok squad will get together on Sunday in Bloemfontein, where they will be based for the build-up to the Test against the Wallabies at the Toyota Stadium on September 30. They tackle the All Blacks a week later, on October 7, at DHL Newlands in Cape Town in their final match of the campaign.
The Leopards have won six of the seven matches between the sides dating back to 2013, but Border will draw inspiration from the fact that their last two defeats were by two points.
As well as the Leopards, Border also face current table-toppers the Griffons away from home on the last weekend of pool stage action, with the Welwitschias sandwiched in between them next weekend and, with them improved from previous seasons, it makes for three testing games.
“This is the best test for us and it will show where we are in our development and if we can play against the best teams in the competition,” said Dobela.
“We are really looking forward to the challenge and we want to put in our best performance during these three games.”
The Bulldogs take on the Leopards at the BCM Stadium on Saturday, with kick-off at 5pm.