By ZINGISA MVUMVU
Despite the hype that the Border Bulldogs have improved this season, there is, in truth, less to celebrate for the East London-based provincial side.
Border have remained essentially the same weak team they have been in previous years compared to their counterparts.
A case in point is the gap between Border and the Boland Cavaliers in the Currie Cup qualifiers log-standings.
For years Border, Boland and SWD Eagles, also dubbed SA’s “small unions”, have been the bottom three finishers.
However, this season, Boland have seen a dramatic change in their fortunes as they currently lie third in the log, thanks to nine wins in 12 outings.
The same cannot be said about the Bulldogs, who are 12th on the standings, eight places below Boland and below the Eagles, who are lying 11th.
In 12 matches, Border have conceded 350 points, which amounts to an average of about 30 points a match, or six tries.
At the same time, the Bulldogs scored 320 points in as many matches.
These numbers fall far short in comparison to the other two “small unions”, namely the Boland and Eagles.
Boland amassed 450 points in 12 matches while conceding just 249.
The Eagles, on the other hand, collected 356 points and leaked 301.
For the Bulldogs the situation might get worse as they travel to Newlands tomorrow to square up with rampant Western Province in their second last match before the qualifiers come to an end.
Border’s chances of stealing a victory in this match are close to zero if Western Province’s form this season is anything to go by.
Province have suffered a single blemish in 12 matches and won eight matches in succession.
In fact, Province have not lost at home since the qualifiers campaign started in April.
Border’s downfall this season has been the chopping and changing at two strategic positions – flyhalf and scrumhalf.
Throughout the season Border did not have two individuals to rely on in these key positions, with as many as six players having been tried out at number nine and 10.
With a flyhalf and a scrumhalf deemed two positions in which a rugby match can be won or lost, some level of consistency for Border would have gone a long way.
Border, having already missed out on the opportunity for promotion to the Currie Cup Premier Division, will finish their qualifiers campaign against Free State next weekend before marching on to the First Division.
Bulldogs in throes of painful struggle
Despite the hype that the Border Bulldogs have improved this season, there is, in truth, less to celebrate for the East London-based provincial side.
Border have remained essentially the same weak team they have been in previous years compared to their counterparts.
A case in point is the gap between Border and the Boland Cavaliers in the Currie Cup qualifiers log-standings.
For years Border, Boland and SWD Eagles, also dubbed SA’s “small unions”, have been the bottom three finishers.
However, this season, Boland have seen a dramatic change in their fortunes as they currently lie third in the log, thanks to nine wins in 12 outings.
The same cannot be said about the Bulldogs, who are 12th on the standings, eight places below Boland and below the Eagles, who are lying 11th.
In 12 matches, Border have conceded 350 points, which amounts to an average of about 30 points a match, or six tries.
At the same time, the Bulldogs scored 320 points in as many matches.
These numbers fall far short in comparison to the other two “small unions”, namely the Boland and Eagles.
Boland amassed 450 points in 12 matches while conceding just 249.
The Eagles, on the other hand, collected 356 points and leaked 301.
For the Bulldogs the situation might get worse as they travel to Newlands tomorrow to square up with rampant Western Province in their second last match before the qualifiers come to an end.
Border’s chances of stealing a victory in this match are close to zero if Western Province’s form this season is anything to go by.
Province have suffered a single blemish in 12 matches and won eight matches in succession.
In fact, Province have not lost at home since the qualifiers campaign started in April.
Border’s downfall this season has been the chopping and changing at two strategic positions – flyhalf and scrumhalf.
Throughout the season Border did not have two individuals to rely on in these key positions, with as many as six players having been tried out at number nine and 10.
With a flyhalf and a scrumhalf deemed two positions in which a rugby match can be won or lost, some level of consistency for Border would have gone a long way.
Border, having already missed out on the opportunity for promotion to the Currie Cup Premier Division, will finish their qualifiers campaign against Free State next weekend before marching on to the First Division.
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