By ZINGISA MVUMVU
Fresh from a confidence-boosting victory in Namibia last weekend, the Border Bulldogs need not to drop the guard in their remaining matches of the Currie Cup qualifiers 2016 campaign.
This is according to Border head coach Elliot Fana who conceded that they have fallen short of achieving the promotion to the Premier Division.
However, that was no reason to despair as they aim to finish at a “respectable” log position having already achieved what no other Border side has in the past five years – five wins in a season.
Border should put their memorable 76-18 victory over the Windhoek Draught Welwitschias last weekend behind because in front awaits a mammoth task against three giants of domestic rugby – Blue Bulls, Western Province and Free State – before the qualifiers campaign ends later this month.
Fana was pleased with his charges’ showing against the Welwitschias hoping that it would inspire them to finish the season on a high.
Among other improvements Fana was pleased with is in scrumming, mauling and on the first phase ball.
“Look, I am happy that we dominated against the Namibian side and I believe they are a quality side because they would not be playing at this level if they were not good enough,” said Fana.
“Our first phase ball was impressive and we dominated in the scrums, we had ball possession and we mauled the opposition contrary to being on the receiving end of being mauled previously and all these are positives because future opponents will now know that we are not pushovers.”
Bulldogs, currently 10th on the 15-team qualifiers log, welcome Blue Bulls who are just two positions above them on Saturday at the Buffalo City Stadium at 3pm.
Fana is expecting his charges to pick up from where they left off in Namibia.
“We are professionals so the intention is to win everyday we run into the field and I know we have fallen short from achieving the bigger picture goal of playing at a higher division.
“But we should finish at a respectable position when it all comes to an end after the remaining three matches.”
Although Border look to be underdogs against their three remaining opponents on paper, they will be looking to repeat their giant-killing heroics like they did at the start of the season when they beat Lions, Sharks and EP Kings.
Fana was all praises for try-scoring machine, wing Makazole Mapimpi who has crossed the tryline four times in a match twice already this season.
“I hope this will rub off on his teammates so they can emulate him,” said Fana. — zingisam@dispatch.co.za
Bulldogs vow not to take foot off the pedal
Fresh from a confidence-boosting victory in Namibia last weekend, the Border Bulldogs need not to drop the guard in their remaining matches of the Currie Cup qualifiers 2016 campaign.
This is according to Border head coach Elliot Fana who conceded that they have fallen short of achieving the promotion to the Premier Division.
However, that was no reason to despair as they aim to finish at a “respectable” log position having already achieved what no other Border side has in the past five years – five wins in a season.
Border should put their memorable 76-18 victory over the Windhoek Draught Welwitschias last weekend behind because in front awaits a mammoth task against three giants of domestic rugby – Blue Bulls, Western Province and Free State – before the qualifiers campaign ends later this month.
Fana was pleased with his charges’ showing against the Welwitschias hoping that it would inspire them to finish the season on a high.
Among other improvements Fana was pleased with is in scrumming, mauling and on the first phase ball.
“Look, I am happy that we dominated against the Namibian side and I believe they are a quality side because they would not be playing at this level if they were not good enough,” said Fana.
“Our first phase ball was impressive and we dominated in the scrums, we had ball possession and we mauled the opposition contrary to being on the receiving end of being mauled previously and all these are positives because future opponents will now know that we are not pushovers.”
Bulldogs, currently 10th on the 15-team qualifiers log, welcome Blue Bulls who are just two positions above them on Saturday at the Buffalo City Stadium at 3pm.
Fana is expecting his charges to pick up from where they left off in Namibia.
“We are professionals so the intention is to win everyday we run into the field and I know we have fallen short from achieving the bigger picture goal of playing at a higher division.
“But we should finish at a respectable position when it all comes to an end after the remaining three matches.”
Although Border look to be underdogs against their three remaining opponents on paper, they will be looking to repeat their giant-killing heroics like they did at the start of the season when they beat Lions, Sharks and EP Kings.
Fana was all praises for try-scoring machine, wing Makazole Mapimpi who has crossed the tryline four times in a match twice already this season.
“I hope this will rub off on his teammates so they can emulate him,” said Fana. — zingisam@dispatch.co.za
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