They may not be off their Currie Cup qualifiers campaign, but the Border Bulldogs have got no time to rest.
This was said by their captain Siya Mdaka, who pointed out that their chaotic defence needed to be fixed fast so they can finish the season on a high.
Mdaka says Border have got no one but themselves to blame for the six losses against four wins they have managed this season.
According to him, to concede a minimum of three tries every match was not acceptable, “not at this level”.
Mdaka continued: “If you look at all the tries we have conceded, it was a result of our own mistakes instead of opponents having to work hard to score.
“It therefore tells you that we have a serious problem in protecting our line, but we are working on it.”
If anything is to go by, Bulldogs should, however, cruise against Windhoek Draught Welwitschias next weekend. The Namibian side are yet to win in 10 matches. But Mdaka says underestimating this side would be dangerous.
“Yes, on paper everyone thinks we can win that one with ease. But our opponents may be thinking this is one game they can pick up that one win because we have been losing.”
It remains to be seen whether the special focus on defence will yield any results for the Bulldogs if it did not in the past two months when they were repeatedly losing.
From starting the season hot like chilli in April, the Bulldogs have since gone back to their old way, conceding 287 points, the third worst defensive record in the 15-team league.
They currently lie 11th with 20 points, 21 behind leaders Griquas.
In fact, of the four opponents Border won against, only one – the Lions – is above them with the Sharks, Valke and EP Kings all below them.
But Mdaka believes Border have improved compared to past seasons.
The problem, he said, was inconsistency, lack of composure and complacency by the East London side.
Bulldogs in dire need of change in tactics
This was said by their captain Siya Mdaka, who pointed out that their chaotic defence needed to be fixed fast so they can finish the season on a high.
Mdaka says Border have got no one but themselves to blame for the six losses against four wins they have managed this season.
According to him, to concede a minimum of three tries every match was not acceptable, “not at this level”.
Mdaka continued: “If you look at all the tries we have conceded, it was a result of our own mistakes instead of opponents having to work hard to score.
“It therefore tells you that we have a serious problem in protecting our line, but we are working on it.”
If anything is to go by, Bulldogs should, however, cruise against Windhoek Draught Welwitschias next weekend. The Namibian side are yet to win in 10 matches. But Mdaka says underestimating this side would be dangerous.
“Yes, on paper everyone thinks we can win that one with ease. But our opponents may be thinking this is one game they can pick up that one win because we have been losing.”
It remains to be seen whether the special focus on defence will yield any results for the Bulldogs if it did not in the past two months when they were repeatedly losing.
From starting the season hot like chilli in April, the Bulldogs have since gone back to their old way, conceding 287 points, the third worst defensive record in the 15-team league.
They currently lie 11th with 20 points, 21 behind leaders Griquas.
In fact, of the four opponents Border won against, only one – the Lions – is above them with the Sharks, Valke and EP Kings all below them.
But Mdaka believes Border have improved compared to past seasons.
The problem, he said, was inconsistency, lack of composure and complacency by the East London side.
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