Bulldogs on the brink of their big moment against EP
A SEASON defining match is set to light up the BCM Stadium tonight as the Border Bulldogs welcome the EP Kings for a massive SuperSport Rugby Challenge clash.
Both teams are in the dogfight for second place on the South section log and an automatic path into the competition’s quarterfinals.
It is the Bulldogs’ last group stage match and a win will see them seal second place, while a Kings victory could see them move level on points with them still to play one more group match next week.
“We have to win this match. We have had a good season so far and the guys have been playing very well, but we now need to make sure that we make the quarterfinals,” said Bulldogs coach David Dobela.
“I am expecting an exciting match of running rugby and I think the team who comes out on top will be the ones whose forward pack lays the best platform from.”
The Bulldogs have named a strong team, with just two changes from the side that edged the SWD Eagles in George last week.
Both changes are injury enforced, with scrumhalf Bangihlombe Kobese and wing Siyasanga Ncanywa unavailab
They have been replaced by Sinovuyo Nyoka and Lelethu Gcilitshane.
“Bangi has a shoulder injury and Ncanywa has a rib injury, so they both were not considered for the match,” said Dobela.
“The rest of the team is unchanged as I am trying to build some consistency and momentum going towards the knockouts.”
The Kings are packed with an array of Super Rugby talent including captain Stefan Ungerer, flyhalf Pieterde Wet and outside centre for the backs to attack Stokkies Hanekom, while two former Border schools players will also be starting in former Selbornians Tango Balekile at hooker and inside centre Michael Brink.
The Bulldogs will be confident of once again beating their provincial rivals as they narrowly edged them 20-17 in Port Elizabeth last month.
The match kicks off at 5pm and will be televised live on SS1. The teams are: Bulldogs: Blake Kyd; Mihlali Mpafi, Phumlani Blaauw, Lindokuhle Welemu, Wandile Putuma; Lukhanyo Nomzanga; Siya Mdaka, Billy Dutton, Sinovuyo Nyoka, Oliver Zono, Lelethu Gcilitshane, Lunga Dumezweni, Siphosethu Tom, Michael Makase, Sonwabiso Mqalo. Reserves: Ludwe Booi, Lwando Mabenge, Johannes Janse van Rensburg, Sokuphumla Xakalashe, Reinhardt Engelbrecht, Nkululeko Ndlovu, Somila Mantyoyi
EP Kings: Xandre Vos; Tango Balekile, Chris Heiberg, Mzwanele Zito, Cameron Lindsay; SF Nieuwoudt, Stefan Willemse; Brandon Brown, Stefan Ungerer (capt), Pieter
Steyn de Wet, Neil Maritz, Michael Brink, Stokkies Hanekom, Sonwabo Majola, Keanu Vers
Reserves: Michael Willemse, Roche van Zyl, Thembelani Bholi, Zingisa April, Rudi van Rooyen, Garrick Mattheus, Rouche Nel.