Border out to cut Elephants down to size
Tiger’s men eager to wrap up the campaign in style
THE Border Bulldogs will be hoping for a barnstorming debut from new acquisition Carlisle Jordaan in their final match of the 2018 SuperSport Rugby Challenge against fierce rivals Eastern Province Elephants at the Sisa Dukashe Stadium on Sunday.
Jordaan is a former Queen’s College student, who represented Border at the U18 Academy week before studying in Johannesburg where he played for the University of Johannesburg in the Varsity Cup and also attended the Blue Bulls Academy according to Bulldogs team manager David Ruiters.
Ruiters added that Jordaan had spent the past year in Scotland where he played for Gala Rugby club and recently returned to South Africa and had only been in East London for the past few weeks.
“We felt this is a good time to bring him into the team and give him a chance to show us what he can do,” said Bulldogs coach Tiger Mangweni.
“We saw him playing for the University of Johannesburg and were impressed with what we saw, so I believe he will add value to the squad and do well for us.
“We are also trying to give as many players a chance now in preparation for the Currie Cup later in the year.”
Jordaan comes into the side on the left wing, which sees Somila Jho switch to his preferred position of outside centre, while Lonwabo Ntleki drops to the bench.
“We wanted to give Lonwabo a bit of a rest even though he will play off the bench and we also wanted to give Somila a chance in his usual position,” explained Mangweni.
Other changes to the side see the loose trio shake up again as an injury to Lukhanyo Nomzanga and an injury niggle to Onke Dubase see them both ruled out of the matchday squad.
This sees Athenkosi Manentsa return to the side at eighthman, with captain Billy Dutton shifting back to seven and Nkosikhona Nofuma coming in at six.
The rest of the team remains unchanged from the one that took on the South Western District Eagles in their last outing.
“The injuries are unfortunate, but I have full confidence in Athenkosi and Nkosikona coming into the side and believe they can do the job for us,” said Mangweni.
“I am very happy with this team, I believe they can make sure that we finish on a high with a win over EP.
“It is going to be an exciting match, EP are going to come at us and we will have to be at our best.”
The action kicks off at the Sisa Dukashe Stadium on Sunday at 10.30am with Black Eagles taking on Ntlaza Lions in a Border Super League club game.
The Sharks will then be up against the Griquas at 1pm, with the Bulldogs and Elephants closing out the days play at 3pm.
Bulldogs team: Xolela Payi; Siphosenkosi Nofemele, Somila Jho, Somila Mantyoyi, Carlisle Jordaan; Aphiwe Stemele, Sinovuyo Nyoka; Athenkosi Manaentsa, Billy Dutton (capt), Nkosikhona Nofuma, Johannes Janse van Rensburg, Hendri Storm, Lwando Mabenge, Mihlali Mpafi, Blake Kyd
Reserves: Maliviwe Simanga, Siyamthanda Ngande, Athenkosi Khetani, Lubabalo Lento, Bangi Kobese, Mihlali Nchukana, Lonwabo Ntleki