After four losses in their previous four Vodacom Cup clashes, the Border Bulldogs now have to win their next encounter against Free State on Friday if they are to progress to the quarterfinals.Bulldogs lost 34-6 to Western Province this past weekend, their second heaviest defeat this year.
They now have a do-or-die date with Free State, from which if they fail to win, all that will be left of them is fight to avoid finishing last in the Southern Division of the cup competition.
The provincial side’s co-coach, David Dobela has admitted that they have a big problem of being unable to defend mauls and lineouts.
Almost all tries Bulldogs have conceded were a result of dismal failure in lineouts and rolling mauls.
“We have got a big problem in defending mauls, we simply can’t and our opponents are targeting us there,” said Dobela.
“We also do not compete to win lineouts, part of the reason we have lost the four games.”
Bulldogs, in the four games have conceded a staggering 21 tries, responding with only five.
They are placed at the bottom of the Southern Section as the only side of eight without a victory.
They now have three opponents to overcome in order to progress to the next stage of the competition. After Free State this weekend, outstanding will be dates with SWD Eagles and Boland Cavaliers.
None of the aforementioned teams will be easy to beat, especially Free State and SWD Eagles who are already within the top four bracket that can see them qualify for the last eight.
They will surely be banking on their respective collisions with Bulldogs to cement their places in the first four of the section.
But Dobela is positive that his charges can pull off a miracle by winning all the remaining games.
“We have been playing well but we just cannot get that one victory to lay the foundation for more other wins,” he said.
“We just need Lady Luck on our side for that one win that will give the boys confidence.”
Furthermore, Dobela however conceded that their losing streak was taking its toll on the players.
Apparently, some were weeping in the changeroom after the defeat to Western Province last weekend.
Said Dobela: “They are disappointed in themselves because they believe they have been playing well but unfortunate not to win.
“I feel their pain because there is so much pressure on the boys.”
Bulldogs feel pinch as pressure mounts
They now have a do-or-die date with Free State, from which if they fail to win, all that will be left of them is fight to avoid finishing last in the Southern Division of the cup competition.
The provincial side’s co-coach, David Dobela has admitted that they have a big problem of being unable to defend mauls and lineouts.
Almost all tries Bulldogs have conceded were a result of dismal failure in lineouts and rolling mauls.
“We have got a big problem in defending mauls, we simply can’t and our opponents are targeting us there,” said Dobela.
“We also do not compete to win lineouts, part of the reason we have lost the four games.”
Bulldogs, in the four games have conceded a staggering 21 tries, responding with only five.
They are placed at the bottom of the Southern Section as the only side of eight without a victory.
They now have three opponents to overcome in order to progress to the next stage of the competition. After Free State this weekend, outstanding will be dates with SWD Eagles and Boland Cavaliers.
None of the aforementioned teams will be easy to beat, especially Free State and SWD Eagles who are already within the top four bracket that can see them qualify for the last eight.
They will surely be banking on their respective collisions with Bulldogs to cement their places in the first four of the section.
But Dobela is positive that his charges can pull off a miracle by winning all the remaining games.
“We have been playing well but we just cannot get that one victory to lay the foundation for more other wins,” he said.
“We just need Lady Luck on our side for that one win that will give the boys confidence.”
Furthermore, Dobela however conceded that their losing streak was taking its toll on the players.
Apparently, some were weeping in the changeroom after the defeat to Western Province last weekend.
Said Dobela: “They are disappointed in themselves because they believe they have been playing well but unfortunate not to win.
“I feel their pain because there is so much pressure on the boys.”
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