Border poised for fight in spite of losing promotion
THE Border Bulldogs take on the promotion pushing Leopards in a crunch final Currie Cup Premier Division qualifying clash at the BCM Stadium in East London tomorrow afternoon.
The hosts are out of contention to gain promotion to the Premier Division. However, the Leopards will be going all out and aiming for a full points as anything less will most likely not be enough for them to beat the SWD Griquas to promotion.
The Bulldogs will on the other hand be looking to end the qualifiers on a high and give themselves momentum as they head into the Currie Cup First Division.
“With the points from the qualifiers rolling over and counting towards the First Division we will be going all out to get the points,” said Border Bulldogs coach David Dobela.
Six changes and a couple of positional switches have been made from the team that took on the Down Touch Griffons last weekend.
“We are looking at keeping the team fresh and rotating the squad to give some guys a rest, which sees our regular captain playing off the bench, while some players are also coming back from injury and will be getting back into it,” said Dobela.
Two changes and a positional switch take place in the forwards, while the backline has four changes and a positional switch.
These changes see Blake Kyd drop to the bench with Yanga Xakalashe switching to loose-head prop and Johannes Jonker coming in for a run at tighthead.
Onke Dubase comes in at number eight for Nkosi Nofuma while at scrumhalf and flyhalf Bangihlombe Kobese switches with Ntando Kebe and Thembani Mkokeli with Oliver Zono respectively.
Makazole Mapimpi shifts from right wing to outside centre, as Lundi Ralarala drops to the bench and Siphenkosi Nofemele takes his place on the wing.
The final change sees Masixole Banda return to fullback, with Logan Basson dropping to the bench. “We have set out a strong attacking team to take on the Leopards and we should be ready for an exciting game,” said Dobela.
Border's 43-20 loss against the Griffons last weekend marked their third loss on the trot, after they had won their opening two qualifying matches, and they will be desperate to get back to winning ways.
“After winning our first two games we have let it slip a bit and the guys know they need to up their game,” said Dobela.
“I am confident in the team we have and we won't hold back as we have nothing to lose.”
Following the match the qualifiers will be over with one of the teams, either the Griquas or Leopards moving on to the Currie Cup Premier Division, while the rest of the teams compete for the First Division title.
With points being carried over and momentum important it should make for a very exciting match tomorrow.
The game kicks off at 2pm and will be broadcast live on SuperSport1. Starting team: 15. Masixole Banda, 14. Siphenkosi Nofemele, 13. Makazole Mapimpi, 12. Lukhanyo Am, 11. Michael Makase, 10. Thembani Mkokeli(vc), 9. Bangihlombe Kobese, 8. Onke Dubase, 7. Siyabulela Mdaka(c), 6. Lukhanyo Nomzanga, 5. Wandile Putuma, 4. Lindokuhle Welemu, 3. Johannes Jonker, 2. Mihlali Mpafi, 1. Yanga Xakalashe Reserves: 16. Ludwe Booi, 17. Blake Kyd, 18. Billy Dutton, 19. Athenkosi Manentsa, 20. Ntando Kebe, 21. Lundi Ralarala, 22. Logan Basson