By PETER MARTIN
A record 76-18 win against the Windhoek Draught Welwitshias last weekend will no doubt act as a positive catalyst for the Border Bulldogs when they oppose the Blue Bulls in a Currie Cup qualification match at Buffalo City Stadium this afternoon.
However, today’s game is sure to be a tougher test of character for the Border team.
Team manager David Ruiters is confident the Bulldogs will give a good account of themselves.
“The players rise to the occasion whenever we play one of the bigger unions,” Ruiters said.
“We started this Currie Cup season with three great wins against the Sharks, the Lions and Eastern Province, and I’m sure the boys can repeat this tomorrow .”
Ruiters, however, agreed that the Blue Bulls will be much stronger opposition for Border than Namibia, who prop up the qualification log at present.
“I feel Border can match the Blue Bulls in every department except perhaps in the mauls and lineouts,” he said. “We will definitely match them in the scrums, where the Bulldogs are tops.”
The team manager said the players were confident but not overconfident for a win today.
All eyes will be on flying winger Makazole Mapimpi, who on two separate occasions this season has managed to dot down for four tries and is the potential match-winner today, although he is likely to be well marked by the opposition
“Yes, Makazole is always hungry for the white line,” Ruiters said with a laugh. “He’s been in top form when it comes to try-scoring.”
Other than Mapimpi, much will also rest on another integral player, fullback Logan Basson, who has taken over the goal-kicking duties during the past few games and always plays with plenty of confidence.
His kicking can be deadly at times and he also has the flair to attack at the right time from the back and is good on defence.
The forwards have gelled well as a pack and Border can be proud of the “engine room” – the tight five – who have improved dramatically this season and can hold their own against any other tight five in the competition.
The impressive Billy Dutton, playing on the flank today, is another player who gives 100% over the 80 minutes, covers a lot of ground on attack and defence, and is sure to play a big role.
Over the years, Border has established a fair record at home against teams from Pretoria and a win today will do their confidence a lot of good with two big games – against Western Province at Newlands next Saturday and the Free State XV at home on July 23 – in the pipeline.
The Blue Bulls come off a disappointing match against the Boland Cavaliers, losing 26-35 at home to the team which has advanced to second place on the qualifying log.
Experienced flank Ruan Steenkamp will skipper the side today.
Kick-off is at 5pm.
Squads:
Border Bulldogs: Blake Kyd; Ludwe Booi, Johannes Jonker, Lindo Welemu, Wandile Putuma; Billy Dutton, Siyabulela Mdaka (capt); Nkosikhona Nofuma, Bangi Kobese, Masixole Banda, Mike Makase, Lunga Dumezweni, Makazole Mapimpi, Sipho Nofemele, Logan Basson. Replacements: Mbeko Kota, Yanga Xakalashe, Athi Khethani, Lukhanyo Nomzanga, Sinovuyo Nyoka, Sipho Tom and Nkululeko Ndlovu. Coach: Elliot Fana.
Blue Bulls: Divan Rossouw, Kefentse Mahlo, Franco Naude, Marquit September, Jade Stiglingh, Joshua Stander, Ivan van Zyl, Nic de Jager, Tapiwa Tsomondo, Ruan Steenkamp (capt), Abongile Nonkontwana, Ruben van Heerden, Entienne Swanepoel, Alandre van Rooyen, Njabulo Gumede. Replacements: Jan-Henning Campher, Martin Dreyer, Matthys Basson, Aston Fortuin, Freddy Ngoza, Andre Warner, Tony Jantjies, Alcino Isaacs. Coach: Hendré Marnitz.
Border face tough test today
A record 76-18 win against the Windhoek Draught Welwitshias last weekend will no doubt act as a positive catalyst for the Border Bulldogs when they oppose the Blue Bulls in a Currie Cup qualification match at Buffalo City Stadium this afternoon.
However, today’s game is sure to be a tougher test of character for the Border team.
Team manager David Ruiters is confident the Bulldogs will give a good account of themselves.
“The players rise to the occasion whenever we play one of the bigger unions,” Ruiters said.
“We started this Currie Cup season with three great wins against the Sharks, the Lions and Eastern Province, and I’m sure the boys can repeat this tomorrow .”
Ruiters, however, agreed that the Blue Bulls will be much stronger opposition for Border than Namibia, who prop up the qualification log at present.
“I feel Border can match the Blue Bulls in every department except perhaps in the mauls and lineouts,” he said. “We will definitely match them in the scrums, where the Bulldogs are tops.”
The team manager said the players were confident but not overconfident for a win today.
All eyes will be on flying winger Makazole Mapimpi, who on two separate occasions this season has managed to dot down for four tries and is the potential match-winner today, although he is likely to be well marked by the opposition
“Yes, Makazole is always hungry for the white line,” Ruiters said with a laugh. “He’s been in top form when it comes to try-scoring.”
Other than Mapimpi, much will also rest on another integral player, fullback Logan Basson, who has taken over the goal-kicking duties during the past few games and always plays with plenty of confidence.
His kicking can be deadly at times and he also has the flair to attack at the right time from the back and is good on defence.
The forwards have gelled well as a pack and Border can be proud of the “engine room” – the tight five – who have improved dramatically this season and can hold their own against any other tight five in the competition.
The impressive Billy Dutton, playing on the flank today, is another player who gives 100% over the 80 minutes, covers a lot of ground on attack and defence, and is sure to play a big role.
Over the years, Border has established a fair record at home against teams from Pretoria and a win today will do their confidence a lot of good with two big games – against Western Province at Newlands next Saturday and the Free State XV at home on July 23 – in the pipeline.
The Blue Bulls come off a disappointing match against the Boland Cavaliers, losing 26-35 at home to the team which has advanced to second place on the qualifying log.
Experienced flank Ruan Steenkamp will skipper the side today.
Kick-off is at 5pm.
Squads:
Border Bulldogs: Blake Kyd; Ludwe Booi, Johannes Jonker, Lindo Welemu, Wandile Putuma; Billy Dutton, Siyabulela Mdaka (capt); Nkosikhona Nofuma, Bangi Kobese, Masixole Banda, Mike Makase, Lunga Dumezweni, Makazole Mapimpi, Sipho Nofemele, Logan Basson. Replacements: Mbeko Kota, Yanga Xakalashe, Athi Khethani, Lukhanyo Nomzanga, Sinovuyo Nyoka, Sipho Tom and Nkululeko Ndlovu. Coach: Elliot Fana.
Blue Bulls: Divan Rossouw, Kefentse Mahlo, Franco Naude, Marquit September, Jade Stiglingh, Joshua Stander, Ivan van Zyl, Nic de Jager, Tapiwa Tsomondo, Ruan Steenkamp (capt), Abongile Nonkontwana, Ruben van Heerden, Entienne Swanepoel, Alandre van Rooyen, Njabulo Gumede. Replacements: Jan-Henning Campher, Martin Dreyer, Matthys Basson, Aston Fortuin, Freddy Ngoza, Andre Warner, Tony Jantjies, Alcino Isaacs. Coach: Hendré Marnitz.
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