Bulldogs in deadly hunt
No dead-rubber when it comes to clash with the EP Elephants
THRILLING rugby action takes centre-stage in Mdantsane tomorrow when battle at the fourth SuperSport Rugby Challenge Festival of the season resumes at Sisa Dukashe Stadium.
Three enthralling games keep fans entertained.
The main attraction is the fierce derby between cross-border rivals, Border Bulldogs and Eastern Province Elephants, with plenty of will pride at stake in the clash.
The game is a dead-rubber, as both teams are out of the running for the knockout stages, but neither side would want to finish as wooden-spoonists.
EP Elephants are still hunting their first win in the competition.
“We have had a good week of training, the guys are in a good place and they are excited,” said Bulldogs coach Tiger Mangweni.
This will be the third Rugby Challenge festival held at Sisa Dukashe.
“It was a fantastic occasion when we played in Mdantsane last year and the players enjoyed it, so I think they are really looking forward to it again,” said Mangweni.
“A lot of the team [players] comes from here, so having this festival gives people from the township the opportunity to come and watch the team in action which is exciting for them.”
The last match between the Bulldogs and Elephants was a very close affair with the visitors holding a lead at half-time, before the Bulldogs fought back in the second half to seal a 22-17 win.
Another close game should be on the cards, but considering they managed a solid win over the Boland Cavaliers, the Bulldogs should be confident of claiming another victory.
“I am positive that we can finish the competition with a win, it would be great to finish on a high and it will give the team confidence as they start their training for the Currie Cup competition later in the year,” said Mangweni.
The other provincial match taking place will see an important clash between central pool rivals, the Sharks and Griquas.
It is a must-win match for the Sharks, as a loss would leave them in a perilous position going into the final round of games.
A win for the Griquas would guarantee their qualification for the knockout stages and see them move to the top of the table.
It should thus be a fiercely contested match with a lot on the line for both teams.
The Black Eagles and Ntlaza Lions take each other on in the morning’s club fixture. Both teams are struggling in the Border Super League, and they are desperate for a win.
“I think having this club match will encourage people from the rural areas to come out and support the day and I think we will have a good crowd,” said Mangweni.
The action kicks off at 10.30am with the club match, followed by the Sharks and Griquas at 1pm and the Bulldogs up against the Elephants at 3pm.
Entrance to the stadium is free and locals are encouraged to turn out in their numbers.
The entire day’s action will also be broadcast live on SuperSport1.