Consistency will be key when the Border Bulldogs return to action tomorrow night against the South Western District (SWD) Eagles in George.
Just one change has been made to the entire 23-man squad as captain Siya Mdaka has returned to his flanking position, with Billy Dutton dropping to the bench and reserve Johannes Janse van Rensburg dropping out of the side.
“I am a firm believer that if you are consistent in how you select the team it helps the players settle into a good rhythm and rewards their form,” said Bulldogs coach Elliot Fana.
“Billy Dutton, who has dropped to the bench is very unlucky as he was superb in the previous match and a number of rugby gurus are of the opinion that he should have been man-of-the-match, but our captain Siya Mdaka is back and he is an important player for us.”
“I have stuck with the rest of the team who beat the Valke and I believe this is a good group who can do well against SWD.”
Since the Valke win, which broke a four-match losing streak, the Bulldogs have enjoyed a well-deserved week off after they had played eight games in a row.
“I think that the break came at the right time, it was nice for them to have some time off after getting a win and I think that the few days off did them a lot of good,” said Fana.
“They have been hard at work this week though and are looking sharp.”
Despite the Valke win, which was the Bulldogs fourth of the season against four losses, the team is confident in their ability but knows they need to be playing at 100% if they are to get a win over their rivals.
“The guys are looking forward to this match, they are confident and want to get another win,” admitted Fana.
“But I must admit that they are reserved, because they have learnt after their good start to the season winning three in a row, they then lost four in a row, so they know that winning one game does not mean they will win the next and that they need to be at the top of their game.”
It should be a very exciting match between to mid-table teams and both will want to make a move up the log, with the Bulldogs currently ninth and SWD in 11th.
“We have never been outplayed when we have played SWD, home or away, and it is always a good, close game with both teams in it for most of the match, so I expect a similar affair this time around,” said Fana.
Tomorrow night’s game kicks off at Outeniqua Park at 7pm.
Bulldogs : Blake Kyd; Ludwe Booi, Johannes Jonker, Lindokuhle Welemu, Wandile Putuma; Lukhanyo Nomzanga, Siya Mdaka (capt); Nkosikhona Nofuma, Bangi Kobese, Oliver Zono, Mike Makase, Lunga Dumezweni, Lundi Ralarala, Sipho Nofemele, Masixole Banda. Reserves: Mihlali Mpafi, Yanga Xakalashe, Athi Khethani, Billy Dutton, Zukisani Tywaleni, Makazole Mapimpi and Logan Basson.
By George! Bulldogs’ same firm out to clip Eagles wings
Just one change has been made to the entire 23-man squad as captain Siya Mdaka has returned to his flanking position, with Billy Dutton dropping to the bench and reserve Johannes Janse van Rensburg dropping out of the side.
“I am a firm believer that if you are consistent in how you select the team it helps the players settle into a good rhythm and rewards their form,” said Bulldogs coach Elliot Fana.
“Billy Dutton, who has dropped to the bench is very unlucky as he was superb in the previous match and a number of rugby gurus are of the opinion that he should have been man-of-the-match, but our captain Siya Mdaka is back and he is an important player for us.”
“I have stuck with the rest of the team who beat the Valke and I believe this is a good group who can do well against SWD.”
Since the Valke win, which broke a four-match losing streak, the Bulldogs have enjoyed a well-deserved week off after they had played eight games in a row.
“I think that the break came at the right time, it was nice for them to have some time off after getting a win and I think that the few days off did them a lot of good,” said Fana.
“They have been hard at work this week though and are looking sharp.”
Despite the Valke win, which was the Bulldogs fourth of the season against four losses, the team is confident in their ability but knows they need to be playing at 100% if they are to get a win over their rivals.
“The guys are looking forward to this match, they are confident and want to get another win,” admitted Fana.
“But I must admit that they are reserved, because they have learnt after their good start to the season winning three in a row, they then lost four in a row, so they know that winning one game does not mean they will win the next and that they need to be at the top of their game.”
It should be a very exciting match between to mid-table teams and both will want to make a move up the log, with the Bulldogs currently ninth and SWD in 11th.
“We have never been outplayed when we have played SWD, home or away, and it is always a good, close game with both teams in it for most of the match, so I expect a similar affair this time around,” said Fana.
Tomorrow night’s game kicks off at Outeniqua Park at 7pm.
Bulldogs : Blake Kyd; Ludwe Booi, Johannes Jonker, Lindokuhle Welemu, Wandile Putuma; Lukhanyo Nomzanga, Siya Mdaka (capt); Nkosikhona Nofuma, Bangi Kobese, Oliver Zono, Mike Makase, Lunga Dumezweni, Lundi Ralarala, Sipho Nofemele, Masixole Banda. Reserves: Mihlali Mpafi, Yanga Xakalashe, Athi Khethani, Billy Dutton, Zukisani Tywaleni, Makazole Mapimpi and Logan Basson.
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