Will history repeat itself when Border Rugby senior women’s team collide with their Blue Bulls counterparts in the Interprovincial A 2015 final today?
All will be revealed at the Buffalo City Stadium at 3pm this afternoon when the top two sides in SA women’s rugby take to the field.
In last year’s final of the very same women’s rugby elite competition at the same venue, Border claimed the bragging rights courtesy of a 32-14 victory.
Still undefeated since then, Border ladies are out to make it two out of two against their bitter rivals and their third back-to-back title.
But the Blue Bulls will be determined to dethrone the hosts after advancing to their second final in as many seasons.
The visitors from Pretoria will also bank on the fact that they know what to expect from the hosts.
However, Border’s try sensation Lusanda Dumke, who was unceremoniously removed from the field before the start of the 2014 final after being ruled underage, is starting today as the hosts’ on-form player with seven tries under her name in this year’s competition.
Border will look to Dumke for points and the pacy flanker is expected to be more fired up than ever today, especially after last year’s final shenanigans.
Also, the hosts’ flyhalf Zintle Mpupa – popular for perfect kicks – is expected to rise to the occasion.
The two have been the most influential in the entire competition this season when it comes to collecting points.
Border boast an impressive 29 tries in their five league matches compared with only 13 by the Blue Bulls.
Dumke and Mpupa, just between the two of them, have scored just one try less than the entire Bulls team has.
The visitors will need to pay special attention to their defence going into the clash in order to contain the dangerous duo.
The Border queens have, however, proved to be defensive stable, having let in a mere 44 points in five outings.
One of Border’s most experienced players, Women Springbok captain Mandisa Williams, yesterday predicted that this “will be an easy one for us”.
Williams, coming in at inside centre, will play a critical leadership role in dictating how the opponents play.
“This match is going to be simple for us because we know what we need to do to win,” said Williams.
“We must put pressure on our opponents to play deep into their own half at all times and ensure that all they do is kick to us and ours is to catch and take the game to them, then victory is guaranteed.”
Bulls head coach Gert Oelofse conceded that the encounter would be a tough one, adding that “in a final there is always a 60/40% chance that the match can go either way”.
“But truth be told Border are the favourites who have had a great season and I would like to say congratulations to them.”
Oelofse said all his girls had to do was enjoy themselves and make the most of the chances they get. — mawandem@dispatch.co.za
Border women sure to do it all over again
All will be revealed at the Buffalo City Stadium at 3pm this afternoon when the top two sides in SA women’s rugby take to the field.
In last year’s final of the very same women’s rugby elite competition at the same venue, Border claimed the bragging rights courtesy of a 32-14 victory.
Still undefeated since then, Border ladies are out to make it two out of two against their bitter rivals and their third back-to-back title.
But the Blue Bulls will be determined to dethrone the hosts after advancing to their second final in as many seasons.
The visitors from Pretoria will also bank on the fact that they know what to expect from the hosts.
However, Border’s try sensation Lusanda Dumke, who was unceremoniously removed from the field before the start of the 2014 final after being ruled underage, is starting today as the hosts’ on-form player with seven tries under her name in this year’s competition.
Border will look to Dumke for points and the pacy flanker is expected to be more fired up than ever today, especially after last year’s final shenanigans.
Also, the hosts’ flyhalf Zintle Mpupa – popular for perfect kicks – is expected to rise to the occasion.
The two have been the most influential in the entire competition this season when it comes to collecting points.
Border boast an impressive 29 tries in their five league matches compared with only 13 by the Blue Bulls.
Dumke and Mpupa, just between the two of them, have scored just one try less than the entire Bulls team has.
The visitors will need to pay special attention to their defence going into the clash in order to contain the dangerous duo.
The Border queens have, however, proved to be defensive stable, having let in a mere 44 points in five outings.
One of Border’s most experienced players, Women Springbok captain Mandisa Williams, yesterday predicted that this “will be an easy one for us”.
Williams, coming in at inside centre, will play a critical leadership role in dictating how the opponents play.
“This match is going to be simple for us because we know what we need to do to win,” said Williams.
“We must put pressure on our opponents to play deep into their own half at all times and ensure that all they do is kick to us and ours is to catch and take the game to them, then victory is guaranteed.”
Bulls head coach Gert Oelofse conceded that the encounter would be a tough one, adding that “in a final there is always a 60/40% chance that the match can go either way”.
“But truth be told Border are the favourites who have had a great season and I would like to say congratulations to them.”
Oelofse said all his girls had to do was enjoy themselves and make the most of the chances they get. — mawandem@dispatch.co.za
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