Border Bulldogs legends Thobile Mtya and Tiger Mangweni believe the provincial side are playing their best rugby in years.
The duo had all praise for the Bulldogs technical team, saying sticking to what works will be paramount against a Pumas side who have not had the best of starts.
The two meet at the Buffalo City Stadium tomorrow.
According to Mtya, although Border are lying second in the 15-team Currie Cup log with their opponents languishing at 11th place after a single victory in three outings, the encounter will not be a walk in the park for the home side.
Mangweni concurred saying the visitors will be out for blood hoping to redeem themselves.
Mtya said: “The next match is not going to be an easy one for the Bulldogs. It may actually be their toughest yet.
“Remember, history tells us that Pumas do not like losing to the Bulldogs so judging them based on their previous results will be a grave error.
“The Bulldogs should step up the gear and tighten up, especially in defence because I foresee a very tough match.”
Mangweni added: “Border must just continue getting the basics right ... like clinical finishing and capitalising on opportunities.”
Mtya, a former Springbok flanker who is currently Border Rugby Union chief scout, praised the Bulldogs for the change of attitude this season – a fact he believed was at the centre of their much-improved showing this season.
The positive vibe and the relationship between players and management was also worth commending.
Mangweni was also impressed by the spirit of oneness displayed by the current crop of Border players.
Mtya and Mangweni agreed that the star player who has been a revelation for the East London-based provincial team was flyhalf Oliver Zono.
They pointed out his quick thinking and ability to read the game as among his strong attributes.
“For me, despite the collective team effort, Oliver Zono is playing brilliant rugby, but I have also been impressed by Masixole Banda (fullback) whose game shows signs of growth,” said Mangweni, himself a former Blue Bulls fullback who shot to prominence at Border.
But for a rugby team to prosper, said Mtya, a true leader inside the field is needed, and Border have one in Siya Mdaka.
He opined: “For some time now, Border have not had a leader of Siya’s capabilities and stature.
“Now that there is a great leader inside the field whose communication with teammates is spot on, the results are showing.”
Mdaka was elevated into the captaincy at the start of the season, replacing Blake Kyd.
Mdaka will lead his troops again in the dogfight against Pumas tomorrow.
Border have avoided injuries that may force changes into the starting lineup.
In this weekend’s starting 15, the only change (not due to injury) will be that of Lukhanyo Nomzanga who comes in at left flank, while Athi Manentsa drops completely from matchday squad in what can be viewed as a tactical change.
Bulldogs squad:
15 Masixole Banda; 14 Makazole Mapimpi, Sonwabiso Mqalo, 12 Siphosethu Tom, 11 Mike Makase; 10 Oliver Zono, 9 Bangi Kobese; 8 Billy Dutton, 7 Siya Mdaka, 6 Lukhanyo Nomzanga, 5 Wandile Putuma, 4 Lindo Welemu, 3 Johannes Jonker, 2 Ludwe Booi and 1 Blake Kyd.
Replacements:
16 Mihlali Mpafi, 17 Buhle Mxunyelwa, 18 Siya Ngande, 19 Hendri Storm, 20 Nkosikhona Nofuma, 21 Siya Ncanywa and 22 Nkululeko Ndlovu.
Bulldogs on fire but Pumas to prove real tough nuts
The duo had all praise for the Bulldogs technical team, saying sticking to what works will be paramount against a Pumas side who have not had the best of starts.
The two meet at the Buffalo City Stadium tomorrow.
According to Mtya, although Border are lying second in the 15-team Currie Cup log with their opponents languishing at 11th place after a single victory in three outings, the encounter will not be a walk in the park for the home side.
Mangweni concurred saying the visitors will be out for blood hoping to redeem themselves.
Mtya said: “The next match is not going to be an easy one for the Bulldogs. It may actually be their toughest yet.
“Remember, history tells us that Pumas do not like losing to the Bulldogs so judging them based on their previous results will be a grave error.
“The Bulldogs should step up the gear and tighten up, especially in defence because I foresee a very tough match.”
Mangweni added: “Border must just continue getting the basics right ... like clinical finishing and capitalising on opportunities.”
Mtya, a former Springbok flanker who is currently Border Rugby Union chief scout, praised the Bulldogs for the change of attitude this season – a fact he believed was at the centre of their much-improved showing this season.
The positive vibe and the relationship between players and management was also worth commending.
Mangweni was also impressed by the spirit of oneness displayed by the current crop of Border players.
Mtya and Mangweni agreed that the star player who has been a revelation for the East London-based provincial team was flyhalf Oliver Zono.
They pointed out his quick thinking and ability to read the game as among his strong attributes.
“For me, despite the collective team effort, Oliver Zono is playing brilliant rugby, but I have also been impressed by Masixole Banda (fullback) whose game shows signs of growth,” said Mangweni, himself a former Blue Bulls fullback who shot to prominence at Border.
But for a rugby team to prosper, said Mtya, a true leader inside the field is needed, and Border have one in Siya Mdaka.
He opined: “For some time now, Border have not had a leader of Siya’s capabilities and stature.
“Now that there is a great leader inside the field whose communication with teammates is spot on, the results are showing.”
Mdaka was elevated into the captaincy at the start of the season, replacing Blake Kyd.
Mdaka will lead his troops again in the dogfight against Pumas tomorrow.
Border have avoided injuries that may force changes into the starting lineup.
In this weekend’s starting 15, the only change (not due to injury) will be that of Lukhanyo Nomzanga who comes in at left flank, while Athi Manentsa drops completely from matchday squad in what can be viewed as a tactical change.
Bulldogs squad:
15 Masixole Banda; 14 Makazole Mapimpi, Sonwabiso Mqalo, 12 Siphosethu Tom, 11 Mike Makase; 10 Oliver Zono, 9 Bangi Kobese; 8 Billy Dutton, 7 Siya Mdaka, 6 Lukhanyo Nomzanga, 5 Wandile Putuma, 4 Lindo Welemu, 3 Johannes Jonker, 2 Ludwe Booi and 1 Blake Kyd.
Replacements:
16 Mihlali Mpafi, 17 Buhle Mxunyelwa, 18 Siya Ngande, 19 Hendri Storm, 20 Nkosikhona Nofuma, 21 Siya Ncanywa and 22 Nkululeko Ndlovu.
Would you like to comment on this article?
Register (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Trending Now
Latest Videos