EP facing tough test against Bulldogs, says Mhani
EP’s warm-up rugby match against the Border Bulldogs in East London today will reveal whether the Elephants are making progress ahead of their SA Cup tournament debut, coach Dumisani Mhani says.
After beating Varsity Shield outfit the NMU Madibaz and the SWD Eagles in earlier warm-ups, EP will be looking for a third win ahead of their opening SA Cup clash against the Falcons in Gqeberha on March 23.
Today’s clash will be played at Police Park (3pm kickoff) and a big crowd is expected to watch these bitter regional rivals battle for supremacy.
After missing the boat in their bid to gain promotion to the Currie Cup Premier Division in recent seasons, EP are determined to shine in the 10team SA Cup.
“The Bulldogs are a very strong, dedicated side with a lot of talent,” Mhani said.
“They have been together now for some time and there is quite a lot of enthusiasm in their play.
“I respect them; there is never an easy game against them.
“There are quite a few workons which we picked up from the game against the Eagles and there are positives as well.
“The game against the Bulldogs will tell us whether we moving forward or not in our preparations for the SA Cup.
“Momentum plays a big part in any team’s preparation.
“That of not allowing the pebble in your boots to bring you down.
“We looking forward to putting pressure on the scoreboard at all possible times.
“Yes, the Elephants are quite close to getting the combinations working.”
Emotions always run high when EP face Border and both teams will be eager to assert their dominance in a match that will set the scene for the SA Cup.
The competition will comprise SA’s non-franchise teams, excluding the Bulls, Lions, Stormers and Sharks, and will be played over a single round.
Playing in the SA Cup against professional teams such as the Cheetahs, Pumas and Griquas will not be an easy assignment for Mhani and his squad of 42 players.
EP kick off their campaign with a home match against the Falcons on March 23, and then travel to Mbombela to face Currie Premier Division outfit the Pumas on March 30.
EP team to face Border: 1 Zuki Sali, 2 Deon Plaatjies, 3 Andile Ngonyama, 4 Ayabonga Nomboyo, 5 Lungisile Mbiko, 6 Sibulele Nanto, 7 Gerrit Huisamen, 8 Ruaan Claasen, 9 Wayne Ngubane, 10 Darryl Kameel, 11 JD Jooste, 12 Riaan Arends (capt), 13 Aya Oliphant, 14 Rodney Damons, 15 Jaden Bantom. Replacements: 16 Temba Boltina, 17 Siya Nzuzo, 18 Duncan du Buisson, 19 Sanwell Jacobs, 20 Giant Mtyanda, 21 Laken Gray, 22 Athi Manentsa, 23 Octavian Muller, 24 Reuben de Vos, 25 Davian Swanepoel, 26 Xolela Payi.
EP’s SA Cup fixtures (home teams first): March 23: EP v Falcons, March 30: Pumas v EP, April 6: EP v SWD Eagles, April 13: Cheetahs v EP, April 20: Leopards v EP, April 27: EP v Griquas, May 4: EP v Border Bulldogs, May 11: Griffons v EP, May 18: EP v Boland Cavaliers.