Beauden must ‘deliver on his promise’
we believe they can come out with a win.”
It will be a largely unchanged team from the one that faced the Bulls that will run onto the field on Saturday, with just one injury-enforced change in the backline seeing fullback Eloise Webb drop out and Zintle Mpupha come in to take her place.
“We aren't making many changes. We only have one injury-enforced change and with the rest of the team we want to keep the momentum going,” said Bandla.
The action on Saturday kicks off at 3pm.
The Border team (1-15) is: Asithandile Notoyanto; Xolelwa Diliza, Yonela Ngxingolo, Zandiswa Xozwa, Thuliswa Capa; Lusanda Dumke, Yanga Ndabeni; Aviwe Basana, Yolanda Sana, Zintle Mpupha, Snenhlanhla Shozi, Aphiwe Ngwevu, Nosiphiwo Goda, Simamkele Namba, Sivuyisiwe Celuza.
Reserves (16-22): Sinazo Halom, Zandile Khumalo, Anathi Qolo, Chuma Qawe, Yandka Nobanda,, Chumisa Qawe, Fundiswa Plaaitjie. Amid speculation that Beauden Barrett’s place in the All Blacks side could be under threat, the flyhalf will find himself under increased scrutiny on Saturday when they face Australia in the Rugby Championship opener in Sydney.
While Barrett had a belowpar season with the Wellington Hurricanes Richie Mo’unga was in superb form for the Canterbury Crusaders as the side won their ninth Super Rugby title.
Mo’unga’s performances sparked debate in New Zealand as to whether he should replace Barrett for Saturday’s match but All Blacks coach Steve Hansen has kept faith with the twotime world player of the year.
While Hansen has been able to name arguably his strongest side he was forced to make a late change after replacement prop Ofa Tuungafasi was ruled out with a rib injury and Tim Perry moved on to the bench. —