Bulldogs put up much better performance
Team redeem themselves with gutsy showing against Leopards
Border Bulldogs might have lost their First Division Carling Currie Cup clash against Leopards but they won the hearts of spectators with their gallant performance when they went down 19-9 at East London Police Park at the weekend.
Written off after their humiliating 106-7 mauling by the Griffons in Welkom in their season opener, Bulldogs were tipped to be at the receiving end of yet another drubbing against the defending champions Leopards.
And in the first 10 minutes the predictions appeared on course when Leopards ran in two quick tries by Henro-Pierre Swart and Tjaart Benade with Danrich Visagie converting one to make it 12-0.
“I will not lie, I was a bit nervous when they scored those two quick tries but I also identified where we were making mistakes,” Bulldogs coach Lumumba Currie said.
“Our mistake was that we were not collapsing mauls and with their strength they punished us.”
Played on a rain-soaked pitch, the match escalated into a fierce battle of wits with the smaller players of the hosts negating their disadvantage by dominating possession while kicking when within the nine-metre area.
“We told the boys that they should do what works for them and not try to match the opponents because they would be found wanting,” Currie said.
While happy with the performance, Currie bemoaned the six points they missed from their kicking.
“Had we kicked successfully we would have bagged six points and that would have been a different ball game altogether.
“But these are the dynamics of a rugby match, that what appears as a minor mistake can have a huge bearing on the overall outcome of the game.
“But overall I think we redeemed ourselves after the disaster in Welkom.”
Currie lamented the absence of their Varsity Shield players in the match, which he said would have made a big difference in their strategy.
With Varsity Shield entering the playoffs stage, a decision has been taken not to use players playing in the competition so as not to disrupt their momentum or put them at risk for injuries.
Currie, who also guides Varsity Shield log leaders University of Fort Hare Blues, admitted that the situation resembled robbing Peter to pay Paul.
“I know what my Varsity Shield players can do to change the situation at Bulldogs but at the same time I need to protect them for a longer run.”
The big plus for Bulldogs is that they will have a bye this weekend, which will help them to recharge their batteries before they travel to the Falcons for their next encounter.
And by that time, all the Varsity Shield players will be available, changing things for the better for the Bulldogs, whose off-season preparations were nothing short of chaotic. – DispatchLIVE